Tropical Cyclone Mitchell is wreaking havoc on Western Australia's Exmouth and Ningaloo coast, bringing destructive winds and heavy rain to the region. As of 10 p.m. on Sunday, the category 2 cyclone was located 45 kilometers northwest of Exmouth, 1250 kilometers north of Perth. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) predicts that the potentially destructive system will maintain its strength as it passes through the town, before heading further down the Ningaloo and Gascoyne coastline, towards Carnarvon on Monday. Weather Bureau Forecaster Patch Clapp warned of "substantial winds" up to 155 km/hr overnight, capable of causing significant damage to houses, street signs, and trees. The situation is dire, with several cyclone emergency warnings in place for Exmouth and surrounding communities, including Ningaloo, Coral Bay, and coastal islands. Residents are advised to shelter in place. The local wildlife carer, Brinkley Davies, described the conditions as "hectic", with trees bending sideways and rain falling sideways. Despite the warnings, some locals are preparing for the worst, with many securing last-minute supplies and sandbagging their properties. The clean-up in Karratha continues, with resident Michelle South relieved to wake up to minimal damage on Sunday morning. However, the town of Carnarvon, about 900 kilometers north of Perth, is preparing for the worst, with concerns for its banana plantations. The cyclone's slow progress down WA's Pilbara coast has left plenty of time for locals to make last-minute preparations, but the potential for damage remains high. The question remains: will the residents of Exmouth and Carnarvon be able to withstand the force of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell?
