Pilbara Ports prepares and responds to a cyclone in five stages; monitor, prepare, clear port, shut down and re-open.
Monitor the system to make an early assessment of the cyclone’s likely path and potential to impact the port.
Start preparing the port by having regular communication with customers and monitoring the environmental conditions.
Once gale force winds are forecast to potentially impact the port within 48-hours Pilbara Ports start managing vessel movements.
Pilbara Ports continue to regularly monitor weather information provided by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).
Preparation activities include securing loose objects, reviewing draft and tide conditions, and liaising with terminal operators.
Pilbara Ports start clearing all vessels and port anchorages from the Port.
Heavy rain, tidal changes and gale force winds can potentially damage infrastructure in the port, so vessels are safer at sea during cyclones.
Pilbara Ports remain in contact with all terminal operators and vessels currently in the port, and work to facilitate the safe departure of all vessels in a staged manner.
Continue to liaise with the Bureau of Metrology (BoM) to monitor weather conditions in anticipation of closing the port.
During this stage, the port has been cleared of all vessels and is now closed.
This is due to the gale force winds associated with the cyclone.
For the safety of all port users, the port will remain closed until the passing of the cyclone.
Staff who can work remotely are encouraged to do so, with only essential staff remaining on site.
Once the cyclone has passed, Pilbara Ports will work to reopen the port as quickly as possible, following inspections to ensure safe operations can recommence.
Heavy rain, tidal changes and gale force winds can potentially damage port infrastructure, so vessels are safer at sea during cyclones. This provides ships with the opportunity to sail well clear of the storms.
In 2024-25 the value of commodities passing through all our ports was more than $153 billion.
Pilbara Ports cannot provide information on the average impact of the cyclone on a day-to-day basis as it does not perform this level of analysis.
Media statements on Pilbara Ports shipping statistics are published monthly and include details on throughput (trade) at each port.
Pilbara Ports is the world’s largest bulk export port authority, encompassing the operational ports of Ashburton, Dampier, Port Hedland, and Varanus Island.
In the 2024-25 financial year, Pilbara Ports achieved a record-breaking throughput of 775.7 million tonnes (Mt) and the total value of commodities passing through its ports was at $153 billion, highlighting its contribution to local, State and national economies.
For monthly shipping figures, visit Port statistics - Pilbara Ports
For the most-up-to-date information on port conditions as Pilbara Ports progress through the cyclone stages, please subscribe to Pilbara Ports alerts.
For the latest cyclone warnings visit www.bom.gov.au/cyclone
Tropical Cyclone Narelle
14:00 Tuesday 24 March 2026 (AWST)
As at 14:00 on Tuesday 24 March 2026, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) advises Tropical Cyclone Narelle is moving offshore of the west Kimberley coast and towards the west southwest.
The environment is favourable and it will likely re-intensify into a tropical cyclone tonight. Accordingly, there is a risk of gales affecting the west Kimberley coast before the system moves further offshore.
Model guidance is generally consistent in intensifying Narelle into a strong system and the forecast indicates category 3 Wednesday night and category 4 Thursday. There is high confidence in the track to the west-southwest during Wednesday and Thursday, roughly parallel to the Pilbara coast.
As of 18:00 Tuesday 24 March 2026, Pilbara Ports will begin clearing berths from the Ports of Ashburton, Cape Preston West, Dampier and Varanus Island.
All recreational vessel owners must safely secure their vessels for cyclonic conditions.
For the latest cyclone warnings visit www.bom.gov.au/cyclone.
For specific information regarding your location, please refer to DFES emergency alerts website.