Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth
Tropical Cyclone Advice #20
SEVERE TROPICAL CYCLONE RUSTY, CATEGORY THREE (10U)
5:44 AM WST February 26 2013
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At 5:00 AM WST, Severe Tropical Cyclone Rusty (957 hPa) located at 18.9S 119.2E or 170 km north northeast of Port Hedland and 320 km northeast of Karratha has 10 minute sustained winds of 75 knots with gusts of 105 knots. The cyclone is reported as moving south at 4 knots.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Rusty has intensified over overnight, as it continues to move slowly southwards towards the coast. The slow motion of the tropical cyclone means that the expected crossing time and location remains uncertain.

Gales are occuring on the coast between Sandfire Roadhouse and Whim Creek, and may extend west to Karratha and begin to extend inland towards Marble Bar and Millstream during the afternoon and evening.

Very Destructive winds with gusts to 105 knots may develop in coastal parts between Port Hedland and Wallal during the day, as Severe Tropical Cyclone Rusty approaches the Pilbara coast.

This is a large tropical cyclone and its slow movement is likely to result in an extended period of destructive winds near the track, with rainfall that is heavier than that associated with a typical system. During Tuesday and Wednesday widespread very heavy rainfall is likely to lead to MAJOR FLOODING in the De Grey catchment. Significant flooding is also likely in the Fortescue catchment and in Pilbara coastal streams.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Rusty's intensity, size and slow movement is also likely to lead to a VERY DANGEROUS STORM TIDE as the cyclone center nears the coast. Tides are likely to rise significantly above the normal high tide mark with DAMAGING WAVES and VERY DANGEROUS COASTAL INUNDATION.

Tropical Cyclone Warnings
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A Cyclone WARNING is current for coastal areas from Broome to Mardie, and adjacent inland areas of the Pilbara, including Marble Bar, Nullagine and
Millstream

Tropical Cyclone Watches
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A Cyclone WATCH is current for adjacent inland areas of the Pilbara including Tom Price, Newman and Telfer