Tropical Cyclone Zelia has formed off the north-west coast of WA, expected to intensify before landfall later this week. Residents are urged to prepare as the storm approaches, with potential damaging winds and heavy rain forecasted. The cyclone is likely to reach category three strength, prompting evacuation and safety precautions across affected communities.
Tropical Cyclone Zelia has emerged off the north-west coast of Western Australia. Currently classified as a category one system, it is situated 280 kilometers west of Broome and 320 kilometers north-east of Port Hedland, steadily tracking towards the east Pilbara coast. Authorities are advising residents from Broome to Dampier and extending inland to Marble Bar to prepare for the oncoming storm.
As the cyclone intensifies, it is expected to reach category three strength by Friday, at which time it is projected to make landfall as a severe tropical cyclone. The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that strong gales with damaging wind gusts of up to 120 kilometers per hour may begin to occur later today, alongside heavy rainfall forecasted between Broome and Dampier.
The Bureau has warned that heavy rainfall starting tonight could result in flash flooding across coastal and adjoining inland areas between Bidyadanga and Port Hedland. Furthermore, destructive wind gusts may escalate to 160 kilometers per hour in regions between Bidyadanga and Port Hedland by Thursday, as Tropical Cyclone Zelia approaches.
In response to the impending storm, Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Kimberley Superintendent Leon Gardiner stressed the importance of preparedness. “If we see winds… above 125 kilometers per hour, we will escalate to a cyclone watch-and-act,” Mr. Gardiner informed the ABC. He advised that individuals should finalize their preparations rather than commence them at the last minute as the cyclone approaches, leading to the escalation of the emergency warnings.
Superintendent Gardiner also mentioned the potential impact on more remote areas, indicating that DFES is engaging with pastoral stations, tourism operations, roadhouses, and the Bidyadanga community to plan contingencies for resource deployment before or after the cyclone. He emphasized that all residents, including those in caravan parks in Port Hedland, must act on evacuation directives for their safety.
Residents Bryan and Jenny Jenner recounted their own swift decision to move their caravan to a secure location, reflecting on past experiences with natural disasters. “We have been told all residents have to pack out and get out, so that is what we are doing,” Ms. Jenner stated, recalling her past encounters with floods in Queensland.
Port Hedland, renowned as the world’s largest bulk export port by tonnage, is taking precautions to mitigate potential damage, with shipping operations in the area being cleared out. This port is pivotal for the transport of high-value trade, servicing large mining corporations such as BHP and Fortescue Metals Group. The Pilbara Ports Authority anticipates that all vessels currently anchored will have departed by Wednesday evening.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Zelia is a developing weather system off Western Australia’s north-west coast, presently classified as category one. Forecasts predict its intensification to category three before making landfall, prompting local authorities to advise residents on preparation and evacuation measures. With potential for damaging winds and heavy rainfall, communities must remain vigilant and informed regarding the cyclone’s approach.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
