SES Hedland Hedland State Emergency Service 
Bureau of Meteorology has released its 2016-17 Tropical Cyclone Season Outlook
Last year saw the lowest number of tropical cyclones on record with the North West region only seeing ONE, that being Tropical Cyclone Stan which crossed the Pilbara coast around Pardoo as a Category 2 cyclone.
The North West Sub Region, which covers WA’s Pilbara and Kimberley Districts, averages five cyclones a season and is rated at 63% chance of more active year than the average year.
The last major cyclone experienced by the Pilbara coast was TC George in March 2007, which was the most destructive cyclone to affect Port Hedland since TC Joan in 1975. Whilst TC George crossed the coast 50km northeast of Port Hedland as a severe category 5 cyclone, the Port Hedland area experienced destructive winds of that of a category 3 system which still created widespread damage throughout the Hedland area.
It is important to note that the number of cyclones forecast is not a good indicator of the threat to communities. If just one cyclone impacts the community with destructive winds and/or flooding, then that is a bad season for the community.
Now is the time to start thinking about how you are going to plan for this season, which commences this November through to April 2017.
Keeping safe is as simple as securing outdoor items such as boats, trailers or outdoor furniture, preparing an emergency kit and taking heed of the warnings issued by your local SES Volunteers.
This website has information on how to prepare and keep safe. If you need further information or assistance please feel free to contact us on 91601300o or Visit our Facebook page Hedland State Emergency Service