Northern Australia is preparing for the impact of Tropical Cyclone Zelia, which is expected to strengthen into a category five system before making landfall. Authorities have taken precautionary measures, closing schools and roads in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, as the storm approaches.
Cyclone Zelia, currently classified as a category four cyclone, has been generating wind gusts of up to 250 km/h. The system is moving south-west toward the coast and is expected to intensify further, crossing the shoreline west of Port Hedland on Friday night.
Evacuation Orders and Emergency Warnings
Authorities have issued a cyclone watch and act warning for areas between Eighty Mile Beach and Whim Creek, extending inland to Marble Bar. Emergency services have warned of a potential threat to lives and homes, urging residents to prepare for extreme weather conditions.
The Great Northern Highway is set to close, and an evacuation centre has been established in South Hedland. Residents have been advised to secure their homes, stock up on essential supplies, and follow safety instructions.
Disruptions to Industry and Transport
The Port of Port Hedland, which handles the largest volume of iron ore exports in the world, was shut down on Wednesday in anticipation of the cyclone’s arrival. Mining company BHP has also paused non-essential travel to the region, while its mining operations continue.
Local businesses and retailers are working with emergency authorities to ensure essential supplies remain available, particularly for remote Indigenous communities that could be affected.
Additional emergency personnel, flood boats, and aircraft have been deployed to assist in response efforts.
Heavy Rainfall and Strong Winds Expected
Residents in Port Hedland have reported increasing rainfall as preparations intensify. Some fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers have left the region ahead of the storm, while local communities brace for severe weather conditions.
Chris Ward, a Port Hedland resident, described the atmosphere in the town. “The rain has well and truly started. People are stocking up at the supermarket on food and water and tying down stuff around their homes. The airport is getting busy too, FIFO workers are flying out. Looks like it’s going to be a wet and wild Valentine’s Day.”
Queensland Still Recovering from Recent Floods
While Western Australia prepares for Cyclone Zelia, north Queensland is continuing cleanup efforts after record-breaking rainfall and flooding caused widespread damage. The severe weather led to the evacuation of hundreds of residents and resulted in two fatalities.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with emergency services on standby to assist communities in Northern Australia as the cyclone develops.
Latest forecasts and warnings: http://bom.gov.au or the BOM Weather app.
