Tropical Cyclone Zelia Threatens Northwestern Australia with Catastrophic Winds

A powerful cyclone is set to impact vital economic regions in Australia, forcing port closures and evacuations.

A severe tropical cyclone, Zelia, is hurtling toward the Pilbara region of northwestern Australia, predicted to make landfall late Friday. The system has sustained winds of approximately 127 miles per hour, with some gusts potentially reaching up to 180 miles per hour, igniting fears of extensive destruction. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Zelia is classified at its highest level on Australia’s cyclone scale, comparable to a Category 3 hurricane in the Atlantic.

Meteorologist Angus Hines emphasized the cyclone's potency during a briefing, stating, "It doesn’t get worse than that." The cyclone is expected to deliver not only damaging winds but also flash flooding, with rainfall totals possibly exceeding 19.7 inches in some areas. Located in a remote but economically vital region, the Pilbara is home to numerous mining operations, including significant iron ore projects operated by leading companies like Rio Tinto and BHP.

In anticipation of Zelia’s impact, key ports have ceased operations, including Port Hedland, which was shuttered on Wednesday. Operations at Dampier and the Port of Varanus Island were also halted ahead of the storm's arrival. Rio Tinto has temporarily suspended its operations at both ports and has taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of personnel.

The cyclone is on a projected trajectory toward the towns of Karratha, which has a population of around 22,000, and Port Hedland, home to nearly 16,000 residents. Local authorities have already enforced road closures and shut down several schools, parks, and businesses as the region braces for Zelia's destructive potential.