Tropical Cyclone Mitchell has strengthened to a category three storm as it nears the Western Australia coast, bringing with it damaging wind gusts of up to 185kmh. Mitchell is expected to make landfall between Onslow and Exmouth on Sunday night before taking a more southerly track over land on Monday, Emergency WA warned. "Damaging to destructive winds are expected to ramp up in the next 24 hours," bureau forecaster Angus Hines said on Saturday. "Those winds are strong enough to bring down big branches or entire trees, damage property, and lead to power outages." Authorities warn the central and west Pilbara coast faces the risk of flash flooding throughout the weekend, with the west Gascoyne region likely also affected by Monday.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 07, 2026 21:40 UTC