Tropical Cyclone Zelia is approaching Western Australia, with expected landfall early Friday. It poses a serious threat, particularly to Port Hedland, and is classified as a category five cyclone, which can cause widespread destruction. Climate change may be influencing the intensity of cyclones, prompting discussions about adding a category six classification.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia is approaching the northwest coast of Australia, anticipated to make landfall early Friday evening. This significant storm is particularly concerning for Western Australia, with Port Hedland, the largest town in the impact zone, also serving as the busiest iron ore export port. Strong winds are expected to reach beyond the coast to regions such as Marble Bar, Tom Price, and Paraburdoo.
Even if Cyclone Zelia does not make direct landfall on populated areas, it poses a considerable risk of damage. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the cyclone is expected to produce dangerous sustained winds of approximately 205 kilometers per hour, with gusts possibly reaching 290 kilometers per hour. Such wind speeds have the potential to cause substantial destruction, involving flattened homes, uprooted trees, and downed power lines.
As a category five cyclone, Zelia represents the highest severity classification currently available. However, the increasing intensity of storms due to climate change raises the possibility that authorities may need to introduce a category six classification. This classification would apply to hurricanes or tropical cyclones exhibiting sustained wind speeds exceeding 309 kilometers per hour.
Globally, the classification of tropical cyclones varies, with terms like hurricanes and typhoons used in different regions. Categories range from 1, the weakest, to 5, the strongest, where category five cyclones inflict widespread devastation, with average wind speeds above 200 kilometers per hour. With climate change contributing to this intensification, some scientists advocate for a higher category to adequately convey the associated risks.
While it is premature to attribute Cyclone Zelia directly to climate change, research over the last thirty years indicates a correlation between global warming and the emergence of more intense tropical cyclones. In particular, record-breaking ocean heat content contributes to the rapid intensification of storms, with Zelia transitioning from a category one to a category five in just over twenty-four hours.
Australia is currently experiencing unprecedented sea surface temperatures, with areas off the northwest coast measuring between four to five degrees Celsius above average. Such warm conditions have been linked to catastrophic storms like Hurricane Milton, which developed into a category five hurricane amid similar ocean temperatures just last year.
The implications of climate change also extend to the movement of tropical cyclones, as warming slows their forward velocity. Consequently, these storms inflict prolonged damage from wind, storm surges, and rainfall. Cyclone Zelia, moving at a relatively slow speed of eleven kilometers per hour, will enhance the impact of sustained heavy rain and wind as it approaches the coast.
Presently, winds around Port Hedland are recorded at 70 to 100 kilometers per hour, which qualifies as gale force yet remains manageable. However, forecasters expect rapidly deteriorating conditions, particularly in the eastern sections of Port Hedland. The storm has already resulted in localized flooding and disrupted transport infrastructure, with further rainfall on the horizon.
Warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology also highlight the risk of storm tides, where sea levels may rise significantly above normal high tide levels, leading to potential flooding. As the cyclone progresses inland over the weekend, it is forecasted to diminish in intensity, yet strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding may still affect mining and Indigenous communities situated hundreds of kilometers inland.
For continuous updates, the Bureau of Meteorology is providing information online. Residents in the cyclone’s path are encouraged to visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au or download the Emergency WA application for the latest community alerts and warnings.
In summary, Cyclone Zelia poses a significant threat to the northwest coast of Australia, particularly impacting Port Hedland. The storm is categorized as a severe category five cyclone, with potential wind speeds leading to widespread destruction. Although it is unclear whether climate change has directly caused this cyclone, evident links between global warming and the intensity of tropical cyclones necessitate serious consideration of additional categorization. Furthermore, citizens are urged to stay informed through official channels as the storm progresses.
Original Source: theconversation.com
