Pilbara, Western Australia: A powerful Category 5 tropical cyclone, Zelia, is advancing toward Western Australia’s Pilbara coastal region, prompting emergency preparations and port closures.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has warned of the cyclone’s potential to cause severe destruction as it moves slowly toward landfall, expected late Friday, 14th of February.
Zelia poses a significant threat to key infrastructure, including major export ports for iron ore and oil and gas processing hubs. Port Hedland, the world’s largest iron ore export point, has been forced to close due to the storm’s intensity.
Authorities have issued urgent warnings, with Darren Klemm, head of Western Australia’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services, urging residents to follow emergency directives to protect lives and property. Older buildings in Port Hedland are particularly vulnerable to cyclone damage.
Severe Tropical #CycloneZelia, now category 5, to bring very destructive winds and very heavy rain to the Pilbara coast.
Latest: https://t.co/4KFWWiahr3 pic.twitter.com/gaILxL9Wye
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) February 13, 2025
The Bureau of Meteorology reported that Category 5 cyclones bring wind speeds exceeding 280 km/h (174 mph). James Ashley, the bureau’s Western Australia manager, highlighted the cyclone’s destructive potential during a news conference.
Rainfall in the affected area has already reached between 80 and 100mm (3.1 to 3.9 inches), with heavier downpours expected. Weather forecaster Dean Narramore explained in a bureau video that conditions are likely to worsen in the coming hours.
Fire and Emergency Services have warned that Cyclone Zelia poses a “possible threat to lives and homes,” urging residents—especially those in caravans or poorly maintained houses—to relocate to evacuation centers.
In response to the cyclone’s approach, the ports of Dampier and Varanus Island were scheduled to close at 6 PM local time on Thursday (10:00 GMT). Authorities remain on high alert as the cyclone nears landfall.
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