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Friday, Mar 14, 2025
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Tropical Cyclone Zelia Impacts Western Australia’s Pilbara Coast
Category-five storm makes landfall near Port Hedland, prompting emergency responses and precautionary measures.
Tropical Cyclone Zelia made landfall on the Pilbara coast of Western Australia on Friday, October 13, 2023, bringing severe weather conditions including winds reaching 290 km/h. The cyclone struck earlier than expected, prompting local authorities to prepare for serious damage and to place the Australian Defence Force on standby for assistance.
As the cyclone approached, Port Hedland residents expressed heightened anxiety, recalling the devastation caused by Cyclone Ilsa earlier in 2023, which resulted in eight fatalities.
By the time Zelia crossed the coast, it had been downgraded to category four, but still maintained winds of 250 km/h along with heavy rainfall and significant storm surge.
Evacuations were ordered for several areas, including Pardoo Roadhouse, Whim Creek, and parts of Marble Bar, as authorities deemed it too late for residents to evacuate.
Deputy Mayor Ash Christensen characterized the atmosphere in Port Hedland as "eerie," acknowledging the unease felt by the community.
Port Hedland, known as one of the world’s largest iron ore exporting hubs, faced potential disruptions to global supply chains due to extended port closures.
However, WA Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm noted that, given the cyclone's path away from the town, the anticipated damage may be less severe than expected.
Local reports indicated that, despite the downgrade in the cyclone's intensity, the town was still experiencing heavy rain, strong winds, and localized damage.
One resident, Tracey Heimberger, reported a fallen tree branch on her street and indicated her concerns for her home’s structural integrity.
Preparations among residents included safeguarding personal items, such as placing passports in waterproof bags.
As a precaution, shops, roads, ports, and nearly 30 schools were closed across the northwest region.
Rainfall forecasts suggested totals could reach up to 500 mm over three days.
By Friday evening, almost 200 individuals had evacuated to centres established in Karratha and South Hedland, while major highways and regional airports remained closed.
In response to the situation, two Australian Defence Force fixed-wing aircraft were scheduled to arrive on Saturday to support local emergency services.
Commissioner Klemm emphasized the readiness of resources to address the needs arising from potential catastrophic damage as the situation evolved.
Initially, Zelia intensified rapidly, shifting from a category three to a category five storm within 24 hours, an occurrence that experts described as highly unusual.
The cyclone was expected to weaken gradually as it progressed further inland, with ongoing forecasts predicting continued rain and wind impacts across large portions of northern interior and central Gascoyne.
The Bureau of Meteorology provided updates on weather developments and continued to monitor the trajectory of the cyclone.
As the cyclone approached, Port Hedland residents expressed heightened anxiety, recalling the devastation caused by Cyclone Ilsa earlier in 2023, which resulted in eight fatalities.
By the time Zelia crossed the coast, it had been downgraded to category four, but still maintained winds of 250 km/h along with heavy rainfall and significant storm surge.
Evacuations were ordered for several areas, including Pardoo Roadhouse, Whim Creek, and parts of Marble Bar, as authorities deemed it too late for residents to evacuate.
Deputy Mayor Ash Christensen characterized the atmosphere in Port Hedland as "eerie," acknowledging the unease felt by the community.
Port Hedland, known as one of the world’s largest iron ore exporting hubs, faced potential disruptions to global supply chains due to extended port closures.
However, WA Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm noted that, given the cyclone's path away from the town, the anticipated damage may be less severe than expected.
Local reports indicated that, despite the downgrade in the cyclone's intensity, the town was still experiencing heavy rain, strong winds, and localized damage.
One resident, Tracey Heimberger, reported a fallen tree branch on her street and indicated her concerns for her home’s structural integrity.
Preparations among residents included safeguarding personal items, such as placing passports in waterproof bags.
As a precaution, shops, roads, ports, and nearly 30 schools were closed across the northwest region.
Rainfall forecasts suggested totals could reach up to 500 mm over three days.
By Friday evening, almost 200 individuals had evacuated to centres established in Karratha and South Hedland, while major highways and regional airports remained closed.
In response to the situation, two Australian Defence Force fixed-wing aircraft were scheduled to arrive on Saturday to support local emergency services.
Commissioner Klemm emphasized the readiness of resources to address the needs arising from potential catastrophic damage as the situation evolved.
Initially, Zelia intensified rapidly, shifting from a category three to a category five storm within 24 hours, an occurrence that experts described as highly unusual.
The cyclone was expected to weaken gradually as it progressed further inland, with ongoing forecasts predicting continued rain and wind impacts across large portions of northern interior and central Gascoyne.
The Bureau of Meteorology provided updates on weather developments and continued to monitor the trajectory of the cyclone.
