Extreme wind gusts reaching up to 320kph are expected to strike the Pilbara region of Western Australia on Friday as Tropical Cyclone Zelia heads towards the coast, with forecasts predicting it will pass dangerously close to Port Hedland, Australia’s largest iron ore export hub.
The powerful cyclone is anticipated to make landfall between Port Hedland and Karratha late Friday or early Saturday. However, the exact path of the cyclone remains uncertain, prompting the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and the Bureau of Meteorology to urge residents in both towns to take all necessary precautions.
Following a press conference from DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm and Bureau of Meteorology’s James Ashley, officials emphasized that Cyclone Zelia has escalated to a Category 5 system, posing a significant threat with destructive winds and heavy rainfall.
Port Hedland’s deputy mayor assured the public that the town is one of the best-prepared places in the world for such a severe cyclone, though concerns remain about homes that may not have been well maintained. As a result, flights have been canceled, schools closed, and evacuation centers established in both Port Hedland and Karratha.
“The intensity of Cyclone Zelia presents a substantial risk to lives and property,” Commissioner Klemm warned, encouraging people to stay updated through the Emergency WA app or website for road closures and other critical information.
Meanwhile, DFES confirmed a dramatic rescue near Marble Bar on Thursday when a truck driver, stranded in floodwaters, had to be airlifted to safety. The driver was located on his submerged vehicle on Rippon Hills Road and was rescued after several hours.
Port Hedland has already seen 90mm of rain by Thursday morning, and parts of the Pilbara could receive as much as 500mm over the coming days, which significantly increases the risk of flooding. “Floodwaters move swiftly through rivers and creeks, so it’s crucial to stay clear of these areas,” said hazard preparedness manager James Ashley.
The slow movement of Cyclone Zelia makes its exact path difficult to predict, but flooding continues to be the primary concern for inland communities, particularly around Marble Bar and Nullagine, where a watch-and-act warning is in effect.
Residents in Port Hedland are advised to remain vigilant, and many are preparing by securing their homes. Volunteers in Karratha, such as those at Port Hedland’s C3 Church, are gathering to clean up debris and prepare for the worst. Some locals, like Karla Pearce, are picking up sandbags in preparation for heavy rain and flooding.
Ports in the region, including those at Dampier and Varanus Island, have cleared vessels as a precaution. Additionally, several roads have been closed, including Great Northern Highway between Roebuck Plains Roadhouse and Buttweld Road. These closures are impacting the Kimberley region, and efforts are underway to mitigate disruptions, particularly for fuel and medical supplies.
On cattle stations in the Pilbara, including Pardoo Station, there is cautious optimism for rain, despite the devastating impact of past cyclones, such as 2023’s Cyclone Ilsa. Pardoo Beef’s general manager, Jeff McInnernery, reported significant damage from Ilsa, including the destruction of expensive irrigation equipment and fencing, much of which remains unrepaired. Nevertheless, he remains hopeful that this year’s system will bring beneficial rain without the destruction of previous storms.
The region remains on high alert as Cyclone Zelia approaches.