Pilbara residents braced to face more wild weather

Water surges down a river near South Hedland after Tropical Cyclone Heidi drenched the region. - ABC

Pilbara residents are being warned to stay vigilant even thought the all clear has been given following Tropical Cyclone Heidi - ABC

Pilbara residents and mining companies are being urged to make preparations for strong winds and potential flooding expected to hit the region throughout today.

Communities between Port Hedland and Karratha and people in Marble Bar and Nullagine have been advised wild weather will hit the region this afternoon.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting heavy rainfall and damaging winds of up to 100 kilometres an hour from midday to late afternoon.

Local mine sites in the Shire of East Pilbara and town of Port Hedland may also experience minor to moderate flood events.

The State Emergency Service says there is a possible threat to lives and homes due to rising water levels in local rivers and streams.

A number of roads are closed in the Shire of East Pilbara and Port Hedland.

Authorities are warning residents not to become complacent after a family of 10 was rescued on the outskirts of Port Hedland last night after their home was hit by rising floodwaters.

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority's Jim Cahill says rivers and streams are still rising from inland rain caused by Heidi.

"We still have to be on the watch and that's why the SES volunteers will be on call for the next couple of days, just in case things happen - roofs have been weakened or trees have been weakened and they fall over in the next couple of days," he said.

"It sometimes happens after cyclones, as the ground dries out or if we get any more rain, that any damage that has been done may come to life."

Lost productivity

Meanwhile, staff at Australia's biggest bulk export port are working to try to recover some of the millions of dollars in lost productivity caused by Cyclone Heidi.

The Port Hedland Port Authority sent large ships offshore on Tuesday night in preparation for the category two cyclone.

Harbour Master Lindsay Copeman says work at the port is in full speed.

"We've bringing ships in through the night; we've got five in operation already and we'll bring another six in this morning," he said.

"So after lunch today we'll have the port chock a block with ships - we'll probably have about 38."

Mr Copeman estimates the two-day closure could mean millions of dollars in lost productivity for the port, its customers and the economy.

- ABC

© ABC 2012