Western Australia is bracing for the impact of Category 5 cyclone Zelia, which is expected to cross the coast near Port Hedland between 2pm and 4pm today. Authorities have issued an emergency warning, urging residents to seek immediate shelter as the storm brings with it the threat of destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and significant storm surge.
Cyclone Zelia is barreling towards Western Australia 's north coast, prompting an emergency warning for Port Hedland and surrounding areas. Authorities have issued instructions for residents to immediately seek shelter indoors as the category 5 storm, the most intense classification on the tropical cyclone scale, is expected to cross the coast between 2pm and 4pm today.
The Bureau of Meteorology has revealed a worrisome scenario, predicting Zelia's landfall will coincide with high tide around 1pm WA time. This timing is crucial as it significantly increases the potential for storm surge, a dangerous rise in sea level caused by the cyclone's winds. James Ashley, the WA manager for the Bureau of Meteorology's hazard preparedness and response, explained yesterday that the tide's state greatly influences the impact of storm surge. Pilbara's large tidal ranges mean a low-tide crossing would likely not reach the highest astronomical tide of the year, but a high-tide crossing could cause significantly higher water levels.Nine News Perth reporter Sarah Smith is on the ground in Port Hedland, describing a town in lockdown with empty streets. She reports strong winds, heavy rain, and a palpable sense of anxiety among locals as they brace for the cyclone's arrival. Smith noted that people had been rushing to stock up on supplies yesterday, transforming the town into a ghost town. Forecaster Mark Hines provided a more precise forecast earlier this morning, highlighting significant shifts in Zelia's predicted path. The earlier landfall, now expected between 2pm and 4pm on Friday, east of Port Hedland, was one of the key changes from Thursday night's predictions. Hines emphasized that Zelia is a category 5 system, the strongest possible intensity, and its coastal crossing in the next few hours will bring extremely destructive winds. The strongest gusts will be closest to the point of landfall, east of Port Hedland. The storm has already brought heavy rainfall and flooding to the Pilbara coast in the past few days, and the rainfall is expected to continue. The cyclone's track is also affecting the infrastructure and operations in the region. The Port of Hedland, a vital hub for Australia's iron ore industry, has been closed down, and businesses are implementing safety measures for their employees. The Pardoo Roadhouse, which suffered extensive damage from Cyclone Ilsa in 2023, is once again in the path of the storm.
Cyclone Zelia Port Hedland Western Australia Emergency Warning Category 5 Storm Surge Wind Rainfall Flooding
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