Tropical Cyclone Zelia Slams Northwest Australia, Residents Urged to Seek Shelter

The cyclone’s arrival has prompted safety measures and precautionary closures ahead of anticipated flooding and high winds.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia made a significant impact on Friday afternoon as it made landfall in northwestern Australia, unleashing powerful winds and heavy rains on the region. The storm, characterized by winds reaching 132 miles per hour, equivalent to a Category 4 Atlantic hurricane, has forced regional authorities to issue safety advisories, instructing residents to remain indoors.

Meteorologists confirmed that the cyclone struck at 12:30 p.m. local time, around 34 miles northeast of Port Hedland, which has a population of approximately 15,000 and houses major iron ore mining operations. “The storm is extremely dangerous, and people in affected areas should remain well away from windows and doors,” warned Miriam Bradbury of Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology.

As authorities issued tropical cyclone warnings from Wallal Downs to Roebourne—roughly 150 miles away from Port Hedland—conditions began to deteriorate rapidly. Heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and wind gusts reaching up to 100 miles per hour were anticipated as the cyclone developed. In an added concern, even more damaging winds of 180 miles per hour were projected closer to the cyclone’s core, capable of causing severe destruction to vegetation and infrastructure.

In response to the storm’s trajectory, communities in Port Hedland and surrounding areas were advised to seek shelter. Numerous schools and roads were closed in anticipation of flooding, while officials worked to ensure public safety. Fortunately, the Bureau of Meteorology indicated that Port Hedland might skirt the cyclone's most destructive center, easing immediate fears of complete devastation.

In terms of economic impact, the area is crucial to the global supply chain, being the world’s largest exporter of iron ore, contributing nearly 40 percent of the world’s supply. Major ports in the Pilbara region have preemptively closed, including Port Hedland, which shut down operations on Wednesday, along with Dampier Port and Varanus Island, both essential facilities for the mining sector and fuel processing.

While forecasts suggest that Cyclone Zelia may weaken as it travels inland this weekend, substantial rainfall remains a major concern as it moves further south throughout the region. The situation continues to develop, and residents are urged to stay informed and cautious as the storm's effects unfold.