Tropical Cyclone Zelia is projected to make landfall late Friday, with wind gusts reaching up to 180 miles per hour, leading to significant port closures and extensive preparations in and around the Pilbara region, a key area for mining and global trade.
Tropical Cyclone Zelia: A Looming Threat to Northwest Australia
Tropical Cyclone Zelia: A Looming Threat to Northwest Australia
The powerful Tropical Cyclone Zelia approaches, threatening devastating winds and flooding to an economically vital region in Northwestern Australia.
A powerful tropical cyclone, Zelia, is rapidly heading towards the Pilbara region in northwestern Australia, where it is expected to bring catastrophic winds and heavy rain. With sustained wind speeds reaching approximately 127 miles per hour and an anticipated landfall late Friday, meteorological experts have classified Zelia within the most severe category on Australia's tropical cyclone scale.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, winds could reach gusts of 180 miles per hour upon landfall, comparable to a Category 3 hurricane in the Atlantic. Angus Hines, a senior meteorologist, emphasized the cyclone's potential for extensive damage, stating, “It doesn’t get worse than that. That is the most powerful tropical cyclone you can get.”
Despite the Pilbara's sparse population, it stands as a pivotal area for Australia's economy, primarily due to its significant iron ore mining operations operated by major companies such as Rio Tinto, Fortescue, and BHP. In light of the cyclone's impending arrival, crucial ports have already halted their operations, including Port Hedland, one of the world’s largest iron ore ports, which closed on Wednesday. Additional ports, including those used by Rio Tinto, are expected to suspend operations shortly.
In addition to the winds, Cyclone Zelia poses risks of flash flooding and severe coastal surges, with forecasts suggesting some areas may receive rainfall exceeding 19.7 inches. As a precaution, local authorities have closed roads, schools, national parks, and businesses, effectively preparing the region for potential fallout.
As the cyclone approaches, towns such as Karratha, with a population of approximately 22,000, and Port Hedland, home to nearly 16,000 residents, are bracing for the impact. Emergency services and local governments are working tirelessly to ensure safety and mitigate disaster effects.
The world watches as Tropical Cyclone Zelia nears Australia, highlighting not only the imminent threat to residents but also the far-reaching implications for global trade, particularly in the mining sector.
