Tropical Cyclone Olga

09 Apr 2024 / Pilbara Coast, Australia

At 08:00 hours local time today (9 April), Tropical Cyclone Olga was a Category 1 system to the north of Port Hedland, moving towards the south/southwest.

According to Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology, confidence is high that the system will remain off the Pilbara coast.

Tropical Cyclone Olga is weakening over open water north of the Pilbara coast as it moves to the southwest. While it is likely to weaken below tropical cyclone intensity later today, gales will continue on the southern side of the system overnight and into tomorrow.

Strong to gale force winds are expected for coastal areas of the west Pilbara including Karratha as the remnants of Olga pass close by overnight and into Wednesday.

Port Walcott and Barrow Island are now at Stage 3 “Clear” and awaiting further decisions.

The Port of Onslow is at Stage 2 “Prepare” and should be prepared to move to Stage 3 “Clear” by 06:00 tomorrow, Wednesday (10 April). The Port of Cape Preston is also at Stage 2 “Prepare” and awaiting further decisions. The Port of Carnarvon is at Stage 1 “Monitor”.

Port facility / port terminal operators should ensure that:

  • they have initiated their cyclone contingency plan and advised stakeholders to do the same;
  • for Port Walcott and Barrow Island, which are already “Clear”, continue to monitor/ communicate;
  • For Port Onslow, which may be required to “Clear” by 06:00 tomorrow, make all preparations in readiness for the potential declaration.

Vessel and ship masters should ensure that:

  • they have activated their cyclone/adverse weather procedure;
  • their engine, propulsion, navigation and steering systems are fully operational;
  • vessels’ stability, trim, stresses (including SF & BM) are within seagoing limits should they be directed to put to sea;
  • vessels’ manning, fuel, stores and provisions are adequate for imminent departure from the port if directed to do so;
  • Masters in the Port of Onslow should ensure that they are ready to ‘Clear” the port by 06:00 on 10 April, should this be declared.

For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Australia, contact GAC Australia at [email protected]

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

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