Australia - Tropical Cyclone STAN

Fri, 29 Jan 2016 02:30:00 +01:00

The Tropical Low off the coast of north-western Australia developed into a Tropical Cyclone and was named STAN. The location of its centre was 320 km north-west of Port Hedland (population around 14 000), Pilbara region, on 29 January, at 0.00 UTC. Its maximum sustained wind speed was 65 km/h, as of the same day and time.
STAN is forecast to move south-east towards the coast of Pilbara, intensifying significantly, with a likelihood to reach Severe Tropical Cyclone Intensity (equivalent to a Hurricane or Typhoon). It is expected to make landfall between Whallal and Whim Creek, possibly near Port Hedland, in the morning of 30 January (UTC).
Very strong winds, heavy rainfall and storm surge may affect the areas along STAN's path and a Warning zone that includes Pilbara and western Kimberley regions has been established by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Preparations for possible evacuations are underway, according to local media, as of 29 January.