Cyclone Preparation
Cyclone Season; Be Aware - Be Prepared
Typically, the cyclone season in Northern Western Australia commences on 1 November and concludes on 30 April each year.
If a cyclone approaches Port Hedland, the cyclones progress can be monitored by accessing the BOM website or the DFES website. Alternatively local radio station 603AM will broadcast up to date cyclone information.
The Town of Port Hedland Facebook page will issue up to date alerts on any developments before, during and after a cyclone.
Welfare Centre
The Town of Port Hedland has one designated welfare centre. The JD Hardie Centre is the Primary Welfare Centre for cyclone emergencies under instruction from the Department of Fire and Emergency (DFES).
In an emergency, the JD Hardie Centre will be opened and managed by the Department of Child Protection and Family Services.. If the Centre is required to be opened, the community will be informed via the radio, social media, news and the Town of Port Hedland Website and social media channels. DFES will provide ongoing updates throughout the weather event.
Please do not proceed there until advised by the Department of Fire and Emergency (DFES).
JD Hardie Centre
Cottier Drive
South Hedland
Show Map
Cyclone Information Booklet
The Town of Port Hedland produces an updated tropical cyclone information booklet for community members free of charge each year. The Cyclones Information Booklet is available from the Port and South Hedland Libraries, the Port Hedland Visitors Centre and the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce. The booklet is specific to Port Hedland, informing and assisting residents and visitors to the Town with preparation for the upcoming cyclone season. The booklet contains information on preparing family emergency kits, the location of local welfare centres, cyclone alerts, local emergency contact numbers and much more.
Other information for preparing for floods and the dangers of driving through flooded waters can be found on this website.
Bureau of Meteorology
For further information relating to cyclone tracking, intensity and forecasting please refer to
Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website
Tropical Cyclone Forecast Track Map
The Tropical Cyclone Forecast Track Map is a graphical product that provides a track of the cyclone showing recent movement, and forecast movement (with uncertainty indicated) 72 hours hence. It also shows the current extent of damaging winds and a graphical representation of the areas affected by current cyclone watch and cyclone warning. This product is accessible on the Bureau's web page.
Please view the video below explaining Track Maps.
Department of Fire and Emergency Service (DFES) Community Alerts
For further information relating to local community Cyclone Alerts, please refer the Warning and Alerts Page or the DFES website.
Community Alerts
DFES issue a series of alerts based on the information received by the local community Incident Support Group(ISG) and the Bureau of Meteorology to warn our community of the approach of a cyclone.
The alert system uses three colours, Blue, Yellow & Red.
Road Closures
Throughout the year, roads in the Pilbara could be closed for many reason e.g. fire and /or smoke hazard, flooding from cyclones or monsoonal/season rainfall, vehicle collision etc.
Main Roads WA can issue “Alerts” daily for any roads that may be closed in the Pilbara region. To view alerts issued please refer to their website.
Learning from the Past, Preparing for the Future
Coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Tropical Cyclone Joan (8 December 1975), the Department of Fire and Emergency Services has developed a video, Learning from the Past, Preparing for the future, as part of an Oral History Project with accompanying commentary highlighting historical cyclone and flood events in Port Hedland and Exmouth.
The video also highlights the various cyclone alert levels, preparation tips for cyclone and flood and the important numbers to call during a cyclone.
For further information relating to cyclone preparedness, please contact the Town of Port Hedland on 9158 9300 or via email at council@porthedland.wa.gov.au