Northwest Australia Prepares for Major Cyclone
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Synopsis
Authorities in Sydney have issued warnings about a rapidly intensifying tropical cyclone, Zelia, set to impact the coast of Western Australia, bringing destructive winds and heavy rainfall expected to escalate flooding risks.
Key Takeaways
- Severe tropical cyclone Zelia is intensifying.
- Predicted to reach category five strength.
- Destructive wind gusts up to 290 km/h.
- Warnings issued for a 700-kilometre coastal area.
- Emergency services are on high alert.
Sydney, Feb 13 (NationPress) Authorities have issued warnings regarding a tropical cyclone advancing towards the shores of Western Australia (WA), which is rapidly gaining strength and is projected to deliver extremely damaging winds and heavy rainfall.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) announced that the severe tropical cyclone Zelia escalated to category four in the early hours of Thursday and is anticipated to reach category five intensity prior to making landfall on WA's northwest coast.
Initially, forecasters predicted it would arrive as a category three storm.
The BoM stated that the cyclone is expected to bring destructive wind gusts to coastal areas in WA's Pilbara region by Thursday night.
Wind gusts may hit up to 290 kilometres per hour as the cyclone approaches the coast, and heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding.
“Tides are expected to surge significantly above normal high tide levels, resulting in damaging waves and perilous flooding in low-lying coastal regions,” the statement read.
A cyclone watch and act warning has been issued for towns along a 700-kilometre coastal stretch, with Port Hedland, home to approximately 15,000 residents, situated at the heart of the warning area.
Schools in the vicinity have been closed, and flights have been suspended, with major highways set to close from 10:30 a.m. local time on Thursday. Supermarkets are striving to deliver additional supplies to the area before roads become impassable.
Barry Harrison from the State Emergency Service in Port Hedland informed the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that locals are feeling apprehensive about the cyclone's potential impact, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
To bolster safety measures, an additional 40 emergency service personnel, alongside flood boats and aircraft, including a rescue helicopter, have been dispatched to the Pilbara region.
Residents along the stretch from Karratha to Bidyadanga, including Port Hedland, have been cautioned to be vigilant about a hazardous storm tide as the cyclone approaches the coast.
