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Cyclone intensifying as towns brace for flash flooding

Feb 7, 2026

Port Hedland is one of several towns in Western Australia under a cyclone warning. -AAP Image

Gale force winds and rising floodwaters are predicted for several mining communities as a tropical cyclone intensifies off the coast of Western Australia.

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Tropical Cyclone Mitchell was about 200km off the Pilbara coast of northwest WA on Saturday morning as a category one system.Â

But the Bureau of Meteorology expects the storm to intensify to a category two system by the afternoon, with the chance of even greater intensity by Sunday.

"If Mitchell moves slower and remains offshore for longer there is a slight possibility that it intensifies to a category three cyclone during Saturday night," the bureau said.

The warning zone currently extends for about 160km between De Grey and Mardie, including the major mining towns of Port Hedland and Karratha, with Exmouth in the firing line for Sunday.

Wind gusts of up to 150km/h over the coastal parts of the Pilbara are expected from Saturday evening.

Authorities expect Mitchell to move south west and cross the western Pilbara coast late on Sunday afternoon.

Up to 130mm of rain is predicted in Port Hedland on Saturday, raising the risk of flash flooding.

Abnormally high tides are also raising the alarm for low-lying coastal areas where large waves could cause flooding.

The cyclone's impending arrival comes as other outback towns are still feeling the brunt of major flooding.

More than 400 people bussed 230km to Darwin from Daly River on Wednesday may have to wait days before they can return as the river is not expected to peak until early next week.

Incident controller Superintendent David Moore said 298 evacuees, including 110 children, were housed at the Foskey Pavilion at the Darwin Showgrounds.