Cyclone Clare

Landfall | Summary
Posting Date: January 9, 2006, 10:00:00 AM

As of 12:00 UTC time Monday, January 9, Cyclone Clare was located about 195 kilometers north-northwest of Port Hedland and about 235 kilometers north-northeast of Karratha. Minimum central pressure, as reported by the Australia Bureau of Meteorology, is 960 mb, making the storm a Category 3 cyclone. The same source reports maximum sustained winds of 139 kph. Another leading source of meteorological information in the region, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, reports sustained winds of 102 kph. Cyclone Clare is moving south southwest at around 16 kph, with hurricane force winds extending outward 35 kilometers from the center. Tropical storm force winds extend 75 kilometers from the center. The Bureau’s forecast calls for Clare to cross the Pilbara coast later this evening between Dampier and Mardie, and move to about 95 kilometers east southeast of Onslow by 8 a.m. WST on Tuesday. Gusts of up to 195 kph are expected in Dampier, Karratha, and Mardie. Gusts of 150 kph are expected to extend inland to Pannawonica and Nanutarra. Karratha and Dampier residents are warned of the potential for dangerous storm surge as the storm makes landfall near the time of high tide. Further strengthening by Clare before landfall is possible. Residents in Pilbara have begun evacuating in advance of the storm’s arrival. Ships from area ports have been sent out to sea to avoid the storm entirely, and local mines are shutting down operations and preparing for potential flooding. AIR’s tropical cyclone team will continue to monitor this storm closely and post additional information as needed.

Landfall | Downloads
Posting Date: January 9, 2006, 10:00:00 AM