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Tropical Cyclone Zelia Threatens Western Australia: Essential Information and Precautions

Tropical Cyclone Zelia is expected to make landfall on the northwest coast of Australia, specifically threatening Port Hedland. With predicted winds up to 205 km/h and gusts possibly exceeding 290 km/h, significant damage is anticipated. Experts are advocating for a new classification for intensifying storms due to climate change, which may lead to more severe and prolonged impacts on affected communities.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia is rapidly approaching the northwest coast of Australia, with an expected landfall early Friday evening. This powerful storm poses significant risks to Western Australia, particularly Port Hedland, which serves as the largest iron ore export port in the region. Winds are anticipated to affect coastal areas and extend inland as far as Marble Bar, Tom Price, and Paraburdoo.

Even if Cyclone Zelia does not directly strike populated areas, extensive damage is still likely. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts sustained winds of around 205 kilometers per hour, with gusts potentially reaching up to 290 kilometers per hour. Such wind speeds are sufficient to damage homes, uproot trees, and disrupt power lines and infrastructure.

Categorized as a category five cyclone, the current highest classification level, Zelia represents a dangerous threat. Experts are increasingly calling for the addition of a category six due to climate change intensifying cyclone activity. Globally, cyclones are classified on a scale from one to five, with category five causing widespread destruction.

Research correlates climate change with the increasing intensity of tropical cyclones, indicating that as global temperatures rise, cyclones may intensify more quickly. The ocean heat content has reached record levels, and the northwest coast of Australia has recorded temperatures up to 4-5 degrees Celsius higher than normal this summer, exacerbating cyclone risks.

Cyclone Zelia intensified rapidly from category one to five in just 24 hours, exemplifying the alarming trend. The slow forward motion of Zelia, moving at approximately 11 kilometers per hour, leads to prolonged exposure to strong winds and heavy rainfall, prolonging potential damage from storm surges.

Currently, winds around Port Hedland are reaching gale force, and conditions are expected to worsen rapidly. The cyclone has already caused flooding, impacted rail lines, and contributed to rising tide levels, which may result in further coastal inundation and municipal flooding.

As it moves inland over the weekend, Zelia will gradually weaken, yet strong winds and heavy rains could still impact communities far from the coast. Timely updates are available from the Bureau of Meteorology, ensuring residents are informed of developing conditions throughout the storm’s progression.

For more detailed information, residents can visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au or download the Emergency WA app for real-time alerts and community warnings.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Zelia poses a severe threat to Western Australia, with significant potential damage anticipated even if it does not make direct landfall in populated areas. Climate change continues to be a relevant factor in both the intensity and frequency of such storms, emphasizing the necessity of preparedness. Residents are advised to stay informed through official updates and take necessary precautions ahead of the cyclone’s arrival.

Original Source: theconversation.com

Lila Chaudhury

Lila Chaudhury is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in international reporting. Born and raised in Mumbai, she obtained her degree in Journalism from the University of Delhi. Her career began at a local newspaper where she quickly developed a reputation for her incisive analysis and compelling storytelling. Lila has worked with various global news organizations and has reported from conflict zones and emerging democracies, earning accolades for her brave coverage and dedication to truth.

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