WA: Cyclone watch declared for Pilbara coast

AAP General News (Australia)
12-28-2007
WA: Cyclone watch declared for Pilbara coast

Eds: Changes keyword from Cyclone WA



By Nicolas Perpitch

PERTH, Dec 28 AAP - A tropical cyclone watch has been issued for western Australia's
Pilbara coast.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) estimated category one tropical cyclone Melanie was
610km north-west of Broome and moving at 8km/h towards the coast at 4pm (WDT).

A cyclone watch has been issued for coastal areas between Exmouth and Broome.

"Tropical cyclone Melanie is not expected to cause gales on the coast overnight tonight
or during Saturday," the BOM said in a statement.

"However, gales may develop on the coast late Sunday."

WA's Fire and Emergency Services Authority and the State Emergency Services have not
yet issued community alerts.

At the major mining port of Port Hedland, harbourmaster Lindsay Coperman said the full
emergency plan had not been activated, but preparations were being made.

"We're taking preliminary precautions in terms of cleaning up rubbish and tying things
down," Mr Coperman said.

Shire of Roeburn deputy president Des Rothe said people in his town of Karratha would
not pay the cyclone much attention unless it came closer to the coast and became a category
three cyclone.

Many people were away over the Christmas holidays and had already tied down and secured
construction and other sites, Mr Rothe said.

AAP np/jl/de

KEYWORD: MELANIE NIGHTLEAD (CHANGING KEYWORD)

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