Tropical Cyclone Zelia unleashed its formidable power along the Pilbara coast, making landfall as a category-five system. With wind gusts reaching a destructive 290km/h, the cyclone crossed 65km east of Port Hedland shortly after noon. The Bureau of Meteorology issued severe weather warnings, anticipating very destructive winds of up to 300km/h, prompting urgent advisories for residents to seek immediate shelter.
The rapid pace of the cyclone, traveling at 11 km/h, outpaced initial warnings. Port Hedland, the second largest town in Pilbara and home to over 15,000 people on the lands of the Kariyarra people, faces severe impacts from the cyclone. The region braced for torrential rainfall, with forecasts predicting up to 300mm within 24 hours and possible three-day totals of 500mm.
“There is a threat to lives and homes. You are in danger and need to act immediately,” – DFES commissioner Darren Klemm
The destructive storm prompted the closure of twenty-one schools and major roads due to rising floodwaters. The Department of Communities responded by opening evacuation centers in South Hedland and Stove Hill. Over 10,000 sandbags were distributed to help residents protect their properties from potential flooding. Additional personnel have been deployed to the region in preparation for the cyclone's impact.
“Shelter indoors now. It is too late to leave. Stay in the strongest, safest part of the building. Stay away from doors and windows, and keep them closed.” – DFES commissioner Darren Klemm
The WA Premier, Roger Cook, assured residents that emergency teams were on standby across the country, ready to respond as needed. He highlighted that while Karratha might escape the most damaging winds, Port Hedland evacuees were being accommodated at Karratha's evacuation center.
“It looks like Karratha and areas around that are going to be spared the most damaging winds, but of course we have a number of people from Port Hedland who haven’t had the opportunity to return home so they are being accommodated at the evacuation centre in Karratha.” – WA Premier Roger Cook
Angus Hines emphasized the severity of Cyclone Zelia as a top-tier category five storm. The cyclone's potential for extensive destruction includes uprooting trees, downing power lines, and demolishing properties.
“It is a category five system – just a reminder, category five is the top of the scale. It does not get any worse than that, extremely damaging and destructive winds, widespread, rain, flooding and storm surge are all expected.” – Angus Hines
As residents grapple with the storm's immediate effects, experts warned against underestimating post-cyclone dangers. Damaged infrastructure and debris pose significant risks even after the cyclone passes.
“Conditions after a cyclone can be just as dangerous as the cyclone itself, including damaged buildings, fallen power lines and debris. It is extremely important that people remain indoors until the warnings change.” – DFES commissioner Darren Klemm
Christy Johnson highlighted that while category five indicates wind strength, it does not account for rainfall impacts. Often, significant issues arise from heavy rain after a cyclone weakens or passes.
“The thing to remember is category five is only to do with wind strength,” – Christy Johnson
Local resident Glen Bedford described the tense atmosphere as shops emptied in preparation for the storm.
“The shops are empty, all water is gone, canned goods are gone and there is always a line at the bottle shop before a cyclone,” – Glen Bedford
“Everyone is now locked in their house, no one is allowed out on the streets and I think you get a fine if you get caught out driving around.” – Glen Bedford