Powerful Tropical Cyclone Zelia makes landfall in WA earlier than expected
One of Australia’s most powerful storms, Tropical Cyclone Zelia, has crossed the coast of WA hours earlier than expected.
Powerful category 5 Tropical Cyclone Zelia has made landfall earlier than expected along the West Australian coast, crossing near the De Grey River mouth, east of Port Hedland.
The cyclone has brought destructive wind gusts of up to 290km/h and heavy rainfall, with the possibility of flooding.
Rainfall totals already exceeded 300mm in some areas on Friday afternoon, with more extreme downpours on the way and up to 500mm of rain expected in the coming days.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s Matthew Collopy confirmed the cyclone battered the coastline as it crossed. “This is a very dangerous system that will cause those significant impacts and are causing those impacts as we speak,” he said.
“We urge people in the Pilbara to stay informed of the latest advice from the Bureau and Emergency WA, and heed the advice from emergency services for both the cyclone and the flood warnings.”
While Port Hedland was expected to avoid the worst of the eyewall winds, Mr Collopy said the town still experienced damaging to destructive gusts in the afternoon and evening.
As the system tracked south, it was expected to weaken, but damaging winds will persist as far inland as Tom Price and Paraburdoo on Saturday.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services was bracing for the full impact of the cyclone, and DFES commissioner Darren Klemm urged people to stay indoors and take precautions in the storm’s aftermath.
“It is critical that impacted communities don’t get complacent because the hazards won’t ease once the cyclone has passed,” Mr Klemm said. “Conditions after a cyclone can be just as dangerous as the cyclone itself, including damaged buildings, fallen power lines and debris.”
The last category 5 cyclones to hit Australia were Ilsa in 2023 and George in 2007.
WA Premier Roger Cook said the cyclone was “going to be a big one”.
“It’s big, it’s strong and it’s very unpredictable. People in Pilbara need to be prepared.”
Two evacuation centres have been established, one in Port Hedland and one in Karratha.
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