Western Australia Braces for Cyclone Heidi

Residents at the coastal and island communities between Pardoo and Whim Creek, including the communities of Pardoo, Port Hedland, South Hedland and Whim Creek in Western Australia are forewarned of the intensity of the coming Cyclone Heidi, which is expected to hit tonight.

These areas, according to reports from Sydney Morning Herald and AAP, are placed in red alert. While A blue alert remains in place for surrounding areas, including Roebourne, Port Sampson, Karratha and Dampier, and residents have been warned to prepare food and a first aid kit.

The Fire and Emergency Service Authority says there is a threat to lives and homes and people living in light structures and caravan are advised to seek refuge elsewhere.

The first cyclone to hit the region since the devastating Cyclone George in 2007, residents were advised to take the necessary precaution as Cyclone Heidi could bring in much rain averaging 250mm of rain is possible across central and eastern Pilbara over the next few days, with isolated heavier falls near the coast, the weather bureau explains.

Oil and coal mining firms in the region led by energy firm Santos Ltd and Woodside Petroleum Ltd have shut down operations to prepare for the tropical storm.

In separate disclosures to the ASX, Santos Ltd. shut its Mutineer-Exeter oil field and Woodside Petroleum Ltd have suspended output production at several fields off the northwest coast.

One of Australia's largest iron ore export terminals at Port Hedland, were closed down, and Dampier port to the west were shut as well.

A Perth airport spokeswoman said flights to and from Cloudbreak, Port Hedland and Karratha have been cancelled due to the cyclone.

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