Tropical Cyclone Zelia Approaches WA’s Pilbara Coast, Preparations Underway
Preparations are ongoing along WA’s Pilbara coast as Tropical Cyclone Zelia is expected to form. Heavy rain and gale-force winds are anticipated, prompting authorities to advise local residents to prepare for severe weather. The cyclone’s trajectory remains uncertain, with potential impacts from heavy rainfall and flooding expected in various community areas.
Preparations are underway along the Pilbara coast of Western Australia as forecasts predict the emergence of a tropical cyclone, designated Tropical Cyclone Zelia. Currently, an atmospheric system identified as tropical low 18U is located approximately 290 kilometers north-west of Broome and is projected to intensify into a cyclone by Wednesday night. This storm is expected to bring severe weather, including heavy rain and gale-force winds reaching up to 100 kilometers per hour, impacting communities from Cape Leveque to Port Hedland over the upcoming days.
The Bureau of Meteorology has expressed concern regarding the storm’s unpredictable trajectory. Joey Rawson, a duty forecaster, remarked on the forecasting challenges, stating, “On a scale of one to ten it’s probably up there. It’s jumping around like crazy.” The agency anticipates that the cyclone may escalate to category two strength by Thursday, yet potential dangerous weather will persist irrespective of the system’s intensity.
Forecasts suggest substantial rainfall, with daily totals of 30 to 40 millimeters expected along the southern Kimberley coast and possible accumulations of up to 80 millimeters in certain areas. Moreover, the cyclone’s slow approach may exacerbate rainfall near its trajectory, which is particularly concerning given saturated river and catchment levels across the Pilbara. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has proactively distributed approximately 3,500 sandbags in anticipation of potential flooding.
DFES Superintendent Will Blackshaw emphasized the importance of staying informed, urging residents to heed specific warnings. “We ask that people take the actions that are commensurate to where they are,” he noted. In preparation for the cyclone’s impact, DFES has deployed ten personnel from Perth to Karratha, with plans to assess and adapt resource allocation as the situation develops, ensuring readiness for any escalation of the weather event.
In summary, Western Australia is bracing for Tropical Cyclone Zelia, with significant rainfall and strong winds forecasted. Authorities are taking extensive precautions, including distributing sandbags and advising residents to remain alert. The unpredictable nature of the cyclone underscores the importance of preparedness, as emergency services mobilize resources in anticipation of potential impacts. The situation remains fluid, necessitating ongoing monitoring and community cooperation.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
