Cyclone Zelia: Storm expected to hit Pilbara coast this evening with winds of up to 320km/h

[Pelican Press 0]

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Cyclone Zelia: Storm expected to hit Pilbara coast this evening with winds of up to 320km/h

Cyclone Zelia is predicted to cross the Pilbara coast between 5pm and 6pm on Friday, with fears winds at the storm’s core could reach 320km/h.

Weather bureau senior meteorologist Jonathan How said it was expected the core of the category 5 cyclone would cross the coast “about 50km west” of Port Hedland in the late afternoon or evening, around 5pm or 6pm.

“That’s the core of the cyclone, but Port Hedland, of course, is still in a very destructive wind zone,” he told ABC radio.

“Residents around Port Hedland and towards the west at this stage, look to be in the firing line of that core, crossing their communities.

A Cyclone Emergency Warning is in place for the areas between Pardoo Roadhouse to Whim Creek — including Port Hedland.

The emergency zone also extends inland to Marble Bar.

Heavy rainfall reaching 100mm all the way to 500mm is possible as it moves over land, potentially leading to flash flooding.

The impact the category 5 system had on residents overnight is still being confirmed as authorities brace for the worst of the cyclone.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said residents needed to act immediately as the cyclone poses a threat to lives and homes.

They are urged to “shelter indoors now” as it is too late to evacuate.

“Stay in the strongest, safest part of the building.”

People are urged to stay away from doors and windows. They should be kept closed as flying debris could cause serious harm.

DFES said people should keep their emergency kit with them.

Several rivers are at risk of flooding, including the De Grey River, Nullagine River and Oakover River.

Heavy rainfall has already been observed across the De Grey River catchment, would would likely extend over the weekend.

“River level rises and areas of flooding may adversely affect road conditions,” a flood watch and act alert said.

“Some roads may become impassable and communities may become isolated.”

“Significant disruption of transportation networks and extensive road closures are expected.”

Mr How said the Bureau would provide continued updates about the path of the storm.

“So the exact position of the eye relative to sort of communities up there will be really critical tonight, at this stage, we are expecting the worst of those winds just to be to the west of Port Hedland but cyclones can sort of wobble round,” he said.

“We are talking wind speeds of even in excess of 200 kilometers — that can cause major damage and disruption to property.

“Many Pilbara communities are well equipped, they are pretty used to seeing cyclones, but of course, when we are seeing wind speeds of this strength, they can be extremely dangerous.

“They could bring down trees and completely flatten structures and homes.”

A Cyclone Emergency Warning is in place for the areas of Pardoo Roadhouse to Whim Creek and inland to Marble Bar.

Mr How said the storm will likely weaken to a category three system in the early hours of Saturday but emphasises bad conditions would continue.

“It is expected to continue to bring very strong, possibly destructive winds to the inland parts of the Pilbara into Saturday and Sunday.”

“So we do have a cyclone watch warning that’s for gale force winds in the next 48 hours, that extends all the way to Paraburdoo and almost down to Newman.”

Both the DFES and the bureau will provide updates throughout the day.

Cyclone Advice is in place from Dampier to Onslow and inland to Tom Price and Nanutarra.

Qantas and Virgin Australia cancelled flights in and out of Port Hedland and two evacuation centres have opened at JD Hardie Youth and Community Hub in South Hedland and Karratha Leisureplex in Karratha.

More than a dozen local schools have been closed and Pilbara Ports are preparing to close the ports of Dampier and Varanus Island from 6pm after closing the Port Hedland port on Wednesday.

People are urged to prepare an emergency kit, which includes enough canned food and water for five to seven days.

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