Tropical Cyclone Mitchell expected to cross Carnarvon coast tonight

Good morning and welcome to our live news blog for Monday, February 9.

Making headlines this morning, Tropical Cyclone Mitchell continues to track down the West Australian coast and is expected to make landfall tonight as a category two system near Carnarvon.

Wild winds and heavy rainfall has already lashed the North West coast as the cyclone tracks south, with some mine sites forced to evacuate.

Between 100 – 200 millimetres of rain is expected in the next 24 hours, which could cause flash flooding and road closures in the area.

Emergency warnings are in place for South of Onslow to Ningaloo and Coral Bay to Minilya Roadhouse.

Meanwhile, new data shows the number of properties for sale across Perth increased by almost 30 per cent during the month of January, but new listings remain well below the 10-year average.

And hard-nosed Hawks defender Blake Hardwick says AFL players are bracing for frenetic football in 2026 under new rules designed to speed up the game and test defenders.

The new rules will be on public display for the first time when Hardwick makes his State of Origin debut in the match between Victoria and Western Australia on Saturday, with the ball expected to fly up and down Optus Stadium.

Stay with us as we bring you the news of the day, as it happens.