According to the latest storm forecast, Typhoon Mitchell has reached Category 3 intensity with gusts possibly up to nearly 195 km/h on the morning of February 8th (local time).
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said that winds maintained near the center reached about 120-150 km/h, while the strongest gusts were forecast to reach 165-195 km/h as the storm approached the shore.
With this intensity, the storm can cause roofs to be blown off, trees to be knocked down, crops to be damaged and widespread power outages.
It is forecast that Typhoon Mitchell will move southwest in the short term before approaching the mainland. The time of landfall is likely to be on the evening of February 08 or early morning of February 09, in the area between Exmouth and Onslow.
The area around the storm center recorded maximum waves of up to 7.3 m, showing extremely dangerous sea conditions for all maritime activities.
Authorities urgently request residents and tourists in the affected area to find safe shelter in their homes and limit movement as the wind begins to intensify.
Evacuation centers have opened in Karratha, Onslow and Exmouth to support people without solid housing.
The major risk does not only come from the wind. Weather forecasts show that widespread moderate to heavy rain will cover the west coast of Pilbara, which could cause flash floods, rapid river waterlogging and traffic disruption. Unusual high tides are also warned, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying coastal areas.
The impact of the storm has caused many flights to be suspended, seaports, shopping centers and schools to close, along with about 750 km of the northwest coastal highway being blocked.
Some offshore wind measurement points have recorded very strong winds since the end of February 7, with nearly 170 km/h at Legendre Island and nearly 150 km/h at Barrow Island. However, experts note that coastal areas may still suffer dangerous gusts when the storm's core approaches the mainland.
After officially making landfall, Hurricane Mitchell will gradually weaken into a low pressure area before dissipating in the next two days.
Hurricane Mitchell is the ninth tropical cyclone of the 2025-2026 hurricane season. If it moves as predicted, this will be the fifth storm to hit mainland Australia this season - the highest level in eight years, according to BOM.
Tourists planning to visit or leave northwestern Australia should closely monitor storm forecasts, follow local authorities' instructions and update airport and seaport status before traveling.
Meanwhile, tourists in coastal areas of Vietnam need to pay attention to bad weather due to the influence of cold air.
Northern East Sea (including Hoang Sa special zone) strong Northeast wind level 7, eastern sea area sometimes level 8, gusts level 9-10, strong rough seas, waves 4.0-6.0m high.
In the Gulf of Tonkin, the Northeast wind gradually strengthens to level 6-7, gusting to level 8-9, strong sea waves, waves 2.0-4.0m high.
The sea area from South Quang Tri to Dak Lak has level 6 Northeast wind, gusts of level 7-8, rough seas, waves 3.0-5.0m high.
The sea area from Khanh Hoa to Ca Mau, the area between the East Sea and the sea area west of the South East Sea (including the sea area west of Truong Sa special zone) has level 6 Northeast wind, sometimes level 7, gusts level 8-9, strong rough seas, waves 3.0-5.0m high.
Strong winds, gusts of wind and high waves affect ship operations and activities at sea.
