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Tropical Cyclone Veronica: Parts of Pilbara coast are under red alert
The West Australian
Saturday, 23 March 2019 3:22PM
3:27 | The West Australian/7NEWS
Towns across the Pilbara are about to go into lockdown as TC Veronica closes in on the coast.
People in WA’s far north are being warned to not get drunk tonight as a red alert has been issued for those along the Pilbara coast.
Cyclone Veronica is still a category 4 system with sustained winds near the centre measuring 165km/h.
“Very destructive wind gusts over 165km/h are expected near the cyclone’s centre as it approaches the coast,” Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster James Ashley said on Saturday.
Gales were expected along the Pilbara coast between Pardoo and Mardie with winds to increase tonight as the cyclone moved closer.
A red alert has been issued for people between Pardoo and Whim Creek, including Port Hedland and South Hedland, extending east but excluding Marble Bar. People are urged to seek shelter immediately.
A yellow alert is in place for communities between Wallal to Pardoo and Whim Creek to Mardie, including Point Samson, Wickham, Roebourne, Karratha, Dampier and inland including Marble Bar.
People in Pannawonica and Nullagine need to prepare for cyclonic weather and organise an emergency kit including first aid kit, torch, portable radio, spare batteries, food and water, with a blue alert issued for the area.
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h/t CitizenPerth