At least 3,500 homes and businesses were left without power after a cyclone hit the northern part of Western Australia.
Tropical Cyclone Heidi has been downgraded to Category 1 in the towns of Port Hedland and South Hedland. But a red alert was still in place for some coastal areas although there were no immediate reports of any injuries of major damage.
The storm, bringing winds of up to 93mph, made landfall at about 4:30am local time, according to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Many coastal residents were forced to leave their houses and hide in shelters after a flood alert was issued.
Australia’s largest bulk ore export facility at Port Hedland was shut as a precaution. Official Steve Farrell said bulk ore carriers and other ships had been sent to safer waters, the BBC reported.