Tropical Cyclone Zelia will soon make landfall in Western Australia’s north, closing Australia’s largest iron ore port, Port Hedland, as the region braces for impact.
Zelia has reached Category Four strength, prompting warnings of ‘severe’ impacts from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).
“Severe Tropical cyclone Zelia is rapidly intensifying as it moves slowly west, just off the Pilbara coast,” the BOM said.
Zelia is expected to make landfall by tomorrow, with the BOM warning the cyclone could reach a Category Five, the strongest cyclone able to form on Earth.
Rainfall in the Pilbara is expected to reach in excess of 500mm, with flooding a concern for inland communities.
Pilbara ports Dampier and Varanus Island have also shut down as the cyclone intensifies, with winds over 260km per hour likely to batter the coast.
The warning zone also includes Karratha, Mardie, Marble Bar and Nullagine.
Port Hedland was closed just last month as Tropical Cyclone Sean passed the Pilbara coast, though it did not make landfall.
The port is touted to be world’s largest bulk export port, with exports including iron ore, lithium and salt.
In December, 66.2 million tonnes of exports passed through Port Hedland’s docks, 47.6 million tonnes of which was iron ore.
An evacuation centre has been opened at JD Hardie Youth and Community Hub in South Hedland, with Emergency WA warning residents in warning zones to prepare.
“There is a possible threat to lives and homes, you need to prepare as flooding is forecast,” Emergency WA said in a Facebook post.
“There is likely to be dangerous, widespread flooding with fast flowing water and water levels will rise quickly.”
The De Grey River catchment has been put on high alert as the Great Northern Highway, Ripon Hills Road and Marble Bar Road were closed from 10:30am today.
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