Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia is barreling toward Australia’s northwest coast and is expected to make landfall near Port Hedland early Friday evening. This powerful category five storm poses a significant threat to Western Australia’s coastline and inland regions, with the potential to cause widespread damage.
Port Hedland, Australia’s busiest iron ore export port, is directly in Zelia’s path. Surrounding towns like Marble Bar, Tom Price, and Paraburdoo are also on high alert for strong winds and heavy rainfall. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warns that sustained winds of 205 km/h and gusts reaching 290 km/h could flatten homes, topple trees, and down power lines.
Zelia’s strength underscores growing concerns about the increasing severity of tropical cyclones as global warming continues. The storm intensified from a category one to category five in just over 24 hours—a pattern seen more frequently due to rising sea temperatures and a warming atmosphere. Australia’s northwest waters have recorded temperatures up to 4-5°C above average this summer, creating the perfect conditions for rapid cyclone intensification.
Globally, the link between climate change and stronger storms is evident. Warmer ocean temperatures fuel the development of severe cyclones, as seen last year with Hurricane Milton in the Gulf of Mexico. As these storms intensify faster and move more slowly over land and sea, they cause prolonged wind damage and flooding. Cyclone Zelia, moving at a slow pace of 11 km/h, is expected to dump heavy rain for hours before and after it makes landfall, raising concerns about storm surges and inland flooding.
Current conditions near Port Hedland have already worsened, with winds reaching 100 km/h and rising. Local flooding has cut off rail lines, and a significant storm tide may inundate roads and coastal properties. The cyclone will gradually weaken as it moves inland, but mining and Indigenous communities hundreds of kilometers from the coast are still at risk of strong winds and flash flooding.
Authorities are urging residents to stay informed through the Bureau of Meteorology and the Emergency WA app, which provides regular community alerts and updates. With the potential for widespread destruction, the next few days will test the resilience of Western Australia’s coastal and inland communities.