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Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia Expected to Reach Category Five Strength
Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia is forecast to intensify to a category five system later today as it continues its slow approach toward Western Australia's Pilbara coast.
The cyclone has been strengthening rapidly, reaching category four early this morning. A cyclone watch and act alert is currently in effect from Eighty Mile Beach to Whim Creek, including Port Hedland, with warnings also extending inland to Marble Bar.
Current Position and Strength
As of the latest update, Tropical Cyclone Zelia is located approximately 185 kilometers northwest of Port Hedland. The system is producing sustained winds near its center of 175 km/h, with wind gusts reaching up to 250 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to make landfall between Port Hedland and Karratha late Friday or early Saturday.
Emergency Preparations
Authorities have taken precautionary measures, including school closures in Port Hedland, South Hedland, Yandeyarra, and Marble Bar. An evacuation center has been established at JD Hardie Youth and Community Hub in South Hedland, while emergency services monitor the situation in Karratha.
DFES incident controller Will Blackshaw emphasized the need for close observation, stating,
"We need to see what happens in the next three to six hours. At that point, we can determine whether Karratha should be placed under a watch and act warning."
Efforts are underway to set up an evacuation center in Karratha as authorities prepare for the cyclone's impact.
Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Risk
Port Hedland had already received 90 millimeters of rain by Thursday morning, and forecasters predict significant additional rainfall.
BOM forecaster Helen Reid warned of widespread heavy rain, stating,
"As the system intensifies and nears the coastline, we can expect rainfall totals between 100 and 300mm, with some areas possibly exceeding 500mm."
The slow-moving nature of the cyclone raises concerns over prolonged rainfall and shifting storm tracks. Flooding remains the primary threat for inland communities, with a watch and act warning in place for Marble Bar and Nullagine.
As the situation develops, residents in affected areas are urged to stay updated on official warnings and take necessary precautions.
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