Skip to main content

On January 20, 2025, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology upgraded Tropical Cyclone Sean to a Category 4 storm as it churned off the coast of Western Australia. This dramatic event was captured in a Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellite image, showing Sean’s swirling cloud bands near the coastline.

While the cyclone did not make landfall, it brought extreme weather to parts of the region, with the city of Karratha experiencing record-breaking rainfall. Over 270 mm of rain fell overnight, setting a new record for the area in nearly 20 years.

Intense wind gusts of up to 120 km/h compounded the impact, causing flooding, power outages, and disruptions to road travel. Videos shared online depicted streets submerged in rapidly flowing water and rain pounding the area.

Satellite imagery: Tropical Cyclone Sean, Western Australia ,20 January 2025
Tropical Cyclone Sean, Western Australia. Credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-3 imagery

Authorities issued warnings as emergency crews worked to rescue residents affected by flooding. While Karratha’s power supply was restored by Monday, efforts to repair storm-damaged infrastructure in nearby Exmouth were ongoing. About 250 customers remained without electricity as Horizon Power crews awaited safer conditions to continue restoration work.

By January 21, the cyclone had weakened to a Category 3 system as it moved further from the coast. Meteorologists predict that Sean will dissipate by Thursday, reducing the immediate threat to coastal communities.

The Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellite image not only provides a striking visual record of this storm but also highlights the critical role of open satellite data in tracking and understanding extreme weather events. Such insights help researchers and local authorities prepare for and respond to the growing challenges posed by severe storms, ensuring better safety and resilience for affected communities.

Featured image credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-3 imagery (cropped image)

Satellite Image: Basel, Switzerland
Image of the day: Basel – where borders meetNews

Image of the day: Basel – where borders meet

Captured on 10 May 2025 by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite, this striking image reveals the Swiss city of Basel, perched at the juncture of three…
Muser NewsDeskMuser NewsDeskMay 17, 2025 Full article
Satellite image: Image: Wildfire (s. forest, fire, climate)
Brazil’s Amazon saw worst 6 months of wildfires in 20 yrs: officialNews

Brazil’s Amazon saw worst 6 months of wildfires in 20 yrs: official

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (AFP) - Brazil recorded 13,489 wildfires in the first half of the year in the Amazon, the worst figure in 20…
SourceSourceJuly 1, 2024 Full article
Women shaping the future of sustainabilityNews

Women shaping the future of sustainability

By Yuen Yoong Leong, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Sunway University in Kuala Lumpur | 360info Inspiring women are driving sustainable solutions and empowering communities,…
SourceSourceSeptember 20, 2024 Full article