Flood Alerts Issued Following Tropical Cyclone in Northwest Australia
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Synopsis
Authorities have issued flood alerts for northwest Australia following the landfall of tropical cyclone Zelia, which brought heavy rains and strong winds. The cyclone has caused significant weather conditions across the Pilbara region, leading to road closures and potential flooding.
Key Takeaways
- Flood warnings are in effect for northwest Australia.
- Tropical cyclone Zelia reached De Grey as a category four storm.
- Wind gusts peaked at 220 km/h with over 500mm of rainfall.
- Authorities expect significant flooding impacts for several days.
- Residents are advised to remain cautious around hazards.
Sydney, Feb 15 (NationPress) Flood alerts have been issued for northwest Australia after a tropical cyclone made landfall, resulting in heavy rainfall and powerful winds.
Tropical cyclone Zelia hit the coast of Western Australia (WA) near the small town of De Grey in the state's northwest Pilbara region as a category four storm shortly after midday local time on Friday, arriving hours earlier than anticipated. It was initially predicted to reach the coast in the evening as a category five storm.
Wind gusts reaching up to 220 km/h and more than 500 millimetres of rain were recorded in De Grey before the storm quickly downgraded.
Authorities on Saturday morning lowered the storm's status to an ex-tropical cyclone but cautioned that heavy rainfall would continue, creating risks for flash flooding.
Angus Hines from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) noted that record rainfall has been observed across parts of the Pilbara coast.
“There will be significant flooding impacts for the next several days and widespread road closures are anticipated to persist as the clean-up efforts progress,” he stated to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Strong winds have caused trees to fall throughout the region, though as of Saturday morning, no major damage or injuries had been reported. A flood watch has been issued for the Fortescue River, Onslow Coast, Ashburton River, Gascoyne River, and areas within the Sandy Desert catchment.
Some towns have become isolated due to road closures, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Hines warned that significant road closures are likely as water levels continue to rise.
The WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services has advised Pilbara residents to be cautious around damaged structures, floodwaters, and downed power lines and trees.
Additional emergency services have started arriving at Port Hedland Airport, with commercial flights expected to resume on Sunday.
