WA: John loses power, but still a danger

AAP General News (Australia)
12-15-1999
WA: John loses power, but still a danger

PERTH, Dec 15 AAP - Cyclone John lost power but little of its danger today after it
crossed the north coast of Western Australia.

Weather experts say John is the most powerful cyclone recorded in Australia, but luckily
missed major towns as it rumbled over the Pilbara coast today, bringing winds of around
290kph.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Brad Fantos said John had been downgraded to a category
four cyclone after it crossed the coast between Karratha and Port Hedland.

"The cyclone gets all its energy from the sea, so it's eased up slightly now its moved
across the land," he said.

He said very destructive winds of up to 260kph were still being recorded at the eye
of the cyclone, which was passing over Whim Creek.

The nearby towns of Roebourne and Point Samson were expected to record similar wind gusts.

"It's still very, very dangerous and red alerts are still current," he said.

Mr Fantos said the cyclonic conditions were expected to continue across the Pilbara
for several hours.

"We expect it (the cyclone) to gradually weaken as it moves further inland," he said.

At 10am (WST) cyclone John was 115km west southwest of Port Hedland and 90km east southeast
of Karratha and moving south at 15km per hour.

Heavy rain and flooding was expected throughout the region, but so far there were no
reports of casualties.

AAP alm/sp/br

KEYWORD: JOHN DOWNGRADE

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