KIMBERLEY Port Authority will review the situation today [31 December] with an eye to Derby and Yampi Sound joining Broome in re-opening following the passage of tropical cyclone Hayley.
Harbour master Rohan Wadhwa told DCN KPA had been actively monitoring the development of TC Hayley since the initial forecast issued by the Bureau of Meteorology.
“In line with our Cyclone Contingency Procedure, KPA coordinates responses to cyclones and severe weather events to minimize potential adverse impacts on port operations and customers,” Mr Wadhwa said.
“For the Port of Broome, Derby and Yampi Sound, we escalated to ‘Cyclone Watch’ and ‘Prepare’ stages on Sunday 28 December, and subsequently implemented a ‘Port Clear’ status on Monday 29 December, allowing sufficient time for vessels to relocate out of the port to safer areas ahead of the approaching system.”
The port of Broome was returned to normal operations at 1600 hours yesterday, with the next commercial vessels expected this morning.
However, with the system tracking closer to Yampi Sound and Derby, those ports were escalated to a ‘Port Shut’ effective from 1600 LT yesterday, with a view to assess and re-open the port today subject to latest weather advise and terminal safety assessments.
“Throughout the different levels, we have continuously engaged with, and updated, relevant stakeholders and port users,” Mr Wadhwa said.
The warning zone covers north of Broome, impacting Derby, Cockatoo Island, Beagle Bay and Cape Leveque. TC Hayley, at one stage rated a Category 4 storm, crossed the coast near Cape Leveque as a Category 3 last night but has since weakened to a Category 1, with heavy rain and 100-120kmh winds, as it has moved inland.