 In advance of the storm 's landfall , officials issued a " red alert " for several locations . Offshore , oil rigs were shut down and ports were closed . At least 2 @,@ 000 residents were evacuated from their homes in potentially susceptible areas of the Karratha region . In areas between Broome and Port Hedland , people were urged to tidy debris and organise disaster supplies to prepare for the storm . 
