Pilbara Ports Reopen as Cyclone Mitchell Threat Eases ( Perth, WA)

Port Hedland in western Australia reopened Sunday as Tropical Cyclone Mitchell moved south, according to Pilbara Ports. The terminal, a枢纽 for the nation’s iron ore exports, resumed operations after the storm headed offshore, with wind gusts reaching 130 km/h (81 mph) on Monday. The cyclone is forecast to weaken to below-cyclone strength by early Tuesday as it moves over land. Ashburton, Cape Preston West, Dampier, and Varanus Island ports remained closed Monday morning. This marks the first significant cyclone to affect the region this season, which typically runs November through April. Last year’s increased severe storms disrupted exports for months, highlighting the seasonal vulnerability of the northwest’s iron ore trade.