Tropical Cyclone Hayley

[**UPDATE 31 December 2025**]
Category 3 Severe Tropical Cyclone Hayley (08U) is crossing the coast of the northern Dampier Peninsula. It continues to weaken and is forecast to drop below tropical cyclone intensity today (31 December) as it moves inland over the western Kimberley.

The port of Port Hedland has issued a final update and is at ‘Alert’ level, monitoring the weather system and assessing its likely path and potential impact.

The Port of Broome is at ‘All Clear’. Commercial vessels, harbour tugs, and pilot boats were permitted to resume operations from yesterday afternoon, within the port subject to conditions being assessed as safe as per the operator’s Safety Management Systems (SMS) and risk assessments.

Squalls and strong gusts may still occur, and vessels should exercise caution and give due consideration to the possibility of occasional thunderstorms and sudden wind changes.

[**30 December 2025**]

The ports of Port Hedland and Broome are monitoring the progress of Severe Tropical Cyclone Hayley (08U).

The system peaked at category 4 intensity and is likely to weaken before landfall, but a severe impact is still forecast.

Hayley is forecast to approach the northwestern Kimberley coast on today (30 December) with a coastal crossing likely late today or early tomorrow near Cape Leveque. There is a chance Hayley remains just north of the Kimberley coast through Wednesday, crossing the coast closer to Cockatoo Island or Kuri Bay. There remains no risk to the Pilbara coast as Hayley continues to track towards the east.

Hayley is forecast to reach category 3 intensity as it approaches the northwest Kimberley coast this evening. As a very small system, its intensity is likely to fluctuate rapidly and it is possible that Hayley could weaken more before approaching land.

The Port of Port Hedland is currently at Cyclone Stage 1 - Monitor. This involves monitoring the weather system and assessing its likely path and potential impact on the port.

Vessel Masters shall ensure:
- Vessel's engines and machinery are fully operational.
- Vessel's stability, trim, and propeller immersion are appropriate.
- Vessel's manning, stores and bunkers are adequate for departure.
- Preparations are made in accordance with their respective cyclone response plan.

Terminal/berth operators are to ensure that the latest cyclone forecasts are taken into account when planning operations over the coming days.

No additional vessel will be permitted in the inner anchorage.

Shipping operations will continue as planned. Adjustments will be made based on prevalent and expected weather conditions associated with the tropical system.

Weather forecasts will continue to be monitored and further advice will be issued within the next 12 hours or earlier if there is a substantial change/escalation to the situation.

The Port of Broome is monitoring the development and movement of Hayley and is at ‘Clear Port’ stage since yesterday afternoon (29 December).

Gales are most likely to occur north of Broome. The port may experience 30-35 knot gales and 1.0 m to 1.5m swell on Tuesday afternoon and evening. The heaviest rain is expected today and tomorrow with 40-80mm expected, but possibly up to 200mm depending on the proximity of the system.

The ‘Clear Port’ stage involves regular communication and consultation between the KPA, Port Proponents, Port Services & Port Users in addition to clearing of the port of vessels from various terminals and anchorages in a safe manner.

The port may consider permitting vessels to re-enter from this afternoon or tomorrow morning, subject to further weather updates and port assessments.

Terminal/berth operators are to ensure that:
- The latest cyclone forecasts are taken into account when planning operations over the coming days.
- The wharf areas are inspected for and cleared off / secured for any items that may have the potential to fall into the berth pockets or adjacent areas during periods of strong winds.

Vessel Masters shall ensure:
- To follow port directions and clear the Port without delay.
- Advise the Port if there are any issues or defects which may delay the vessels departure.
- Vessels should continue to act as per their Cyclone contingency plans and not enter port limits unless approved by the Harbour Master.

Anchorages
- All inner anchorages are now closed to incoming vessels.

Moorings
- The ports service provider’s (tugs and pilot boats) are to secure on their cyclone moorings after the last vessel departs the Port.

Weather forecasts will continue to be monitored, and further advice will be issued within the next 24 hours or earlier if there is a substantial change/escalation to the situation.

For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Australia, contact GAC Australia at [email protected]