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Heavy rainfall expected as tropical low weakens, severe weather warnings issued

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The Great Northern Highway (Port Hedland to Broome) suffered major damage and flooding from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Veronica. This picture was taken near De Grey River Bridge.
Camera IconThe Great Northern Highway (Port Hedland to Broome) suffered major damage and flooding from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Veronica. This picture was taken near De Grey River Bridge. Credit: Main Roads

The tropical low that was initially forecast to lash the Pilbara as a Category 3 Cyclone will no longer intensify, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

The warning zone between Bidyadanga and De Grey has been cancelled and a Severe Weather Warning has instead been issued as the system continues to move south-southeast towards the Eighty Mile Beach area.

The system is expected to bring heavy rainfall and possible gales this afternoon and evening before extending inland over the weekend.

A flood watch also remains in place for the Kimberley and Pilbara districts.

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Gibb River Road from Mount Barnett to Pentecost River remains closed while between Derby & Mount Barnett is open to vehicles under seven tonne, and Pentecost River & Great Northern Highway is open to four-wheel-drives only.

Broome-Cape Leveque Road from Broome Highway to Cape Leveque is also open to vehicles under 11 tonne.

Earlier this week, the Bureau of Meteorology forecast the tropical low to intensify into a Category Three cyclone as Hedland braced for a direct hit.

A blue alert was issued for residents living between Beagle Bay and Whim Creek, including Broome and Port Hedland, but was gradually cancelled as the system weakened.

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