Tropical Cyclone Zelia is on a collision course with Port Hedland in the northwest of Western Australia, with early indications suggesting the storm could make landfall sooner than expected. Emergency warnings have been issued for a broad region extending from Pardoo Roadhouse to Whim Creek, as well as inland west of Marble Bar, and residents have been advised that evacuation may no longer be feasible due to the rapid approach of the cyclone.
Meteorologists have reported that the powerful storm, presently located 85 kilometers north of Port Hedland and traveling at 8 kilometers per hour, is forecast to cross the coast between 3 and 5 p.m. with the potential to generate damaging winds that may reach gusts of up to 290 kilometers per hour near the cyclone's core. Senior forecasters from the Bureau of Meteorology have indicated that the system’s south-easterly move has improved confidence in its projected landfall location, while the coastal areas between Pardoo and Whim Creek are already experiencing gale-force winds.
Local emergency services have been on high alert; residents in affected areas have been preparing as best they can amid reports of fallen trees and structural damage from previous storms. Despite the intense winds recorded overnight, additional assistance requests continue to come in, signaling the challenges that lie ahead during and after the cyclone's passage. Authorities in Port Hedland are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to take shelter as conditions worsen.
In other parts of the region, some residents have taken unconventional measures for protection. For example, a local couple is sheltering on their yacht in a waterway aptly named Cyclone Creek, believing that their vessel provides better protection than being onshore. Meanwhile, community leaders from various towns have reiterated the importance of adhering to safety advice, emphasizing that, even in areas with a reduced risk, vigilance remains essential.
The cyclone is expected to weaken after making landfall, with the most severe wind events confined to a few hours this afternoon. However, significant rainfall is anticipated in the coming days, with totals in some areas possibly reaching as high as 500 millimeters. Essential operations have also been disrupted; major shipping in Port Hedland has been halted, and both BHP and Rio Tinto have suspended their operations in the region until it is safe to resume activities.