Cyclones Do Nots

One of the most powerful tropical cyclones ever to approach Western Australia is heading for a spot on the Pilbara coast already hit by three other cyclones this year. Less than two weeks after cyclone Larry devastated north Queensland, category four cyclone Glenda was late today lashing the coast near Karratha with winds over 130kph. Forecasters warned the gales would worsen, with winds expected to reach 250kph as Glenda crossed the coast tonight between Exmouth and Dampier, most likely over the top of the Mardie pastoral station. Mardie manager Richard Climas said Glenda would be the fourth cyclone to hit his station this year. "One over the top of us and one each side, now this one looks like it's going to give us another touch up, but they were just sort of sea breezes, this is the proper one this one."
Senior forecaster Bruce Buckley said gusts over 250kph were recorded today, putting Glenda on a par with category five cyclone Larry, which left a trail of damage across north Queensland last week. "The difference is minuscule, we've got Glenda as a very high category four and analysis shows Larry was a very high four or low category five when it crossed, so they are definitely in the same ball park."
Fire and Emergency Services Authority spokesman Bill Rose said 160 people were evacuated from flood risk areas around Karratha last night, but with the massive storm moving south, a new safe haven would be opened at Onslow tonight. "It is pretty wild and woolly at the moment."
Meanwhile, Mr Climas said he hoped Glenda would deliver a direct hit. "In actual fact you are probably better off with a direct hit than if it just misses you," Mr Climas told AAA. He has been battered by numerous cyclones over the years and survived massive and "scary" flooding caused by Cyclone Monty in 2004. Already this year his property has been hit by cyclones Clare and Darryl in January and Emma last month. "If it just misses, you cop all that side wall of wind."