The Bureau of Meteorology is closely monitoring Severe Tropical Cyclone Olwyn, which is continuing to move along the coast in the Coral Bay area as a Category 3 system.

The latest forecast suggests Olwyn will begin to slowly weaken today (Friday), as it moves down the coast.

Very destructive winds with gusts exceeding 165km/h are likely near Cape Cuvier and surrounding areas and may extend to Carnarvon, as the cyclone moves southwards along coast.

Gales with gusts to 120km/h are currently being experienced along the northern and central Gascoyne coast. Wind gusts to 180km/h were observed at Learmonth earlier this morning.

There is significant risk of a storm surge along the coast from Ningaloo to Denham.

Heavy rainfall is forecast over the western Pilbara and northern Gascoyne today and Saturday, which may lead to flooding.

Rainfall totals associated with Tropical Cyclone Olwyn are expected to be high, with 24 hour totals from 9am today to 9am Saturday expected to be 100mm, with some isolated falls to 200mm. This could lead to flooding for the Ashburton, Lyndon-Minilya, Onslow Coastal and Gascoyne Rivers.

Heaviest rainfall since 9am Thursday has been 144mm at Thevenard Island. RAAF Learmonth recorded 142mm.

As Tropical Cyclone Olwyn weakens and move southwards through the South West Land Division on Saturday, there is the possibility of heavy rainfall with falls of 50mm or more, damaging squally winds and abnormally high tides along the west coast. This will include the Perth metro area.

The public are urged to closely monitor the Bureau’s website for the latest information, tune in to media and local radio and listen to the advice of emergency services.

For further information www.bom.gov.au/cyclone