CYCLONE ZELIA HITS WEST AUSTRALIAN COAST, COMMUNITIES BRACE FOR IMPACT

By ASAD KHAN

Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia, a Category 5 system, is making landfall near the DeGrey River mouth, east of Port Hedland. The Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed that while Port Hedland will avoid the cyclone’s most destructive core, significant impacts are expected across the region.

As of 12:00 PM AWST, Zelia was located approximately 65 kilometres northeast of Port Hedland and 165 kilometres north-northwest of Marble Bar.

The system is tracking southeast at 11 kilometres per hour, bringing sustained winds of 205 km/h and gusts reaching up to 285 km/h.

A cyclone warning remains for areas from Wallal Downs to Whim Creek, extending inland to Marble Bar, Nullagine, Tom Price, and Paraburdoo. Authorities have lifted warnings for Roebourne to Whim Creek and inland to Millstream as the storm moves further inland.

Heavy rainfall and damaging winds are expected, particularly in areas east of the cyclone’s center.

The Bureau warns that Zelia will continue to weaken as it moves south, but flooding and infrastructure damage remain significant concerns.

With severe weather looming, Horizon Power is working closely with emergency services to monitor conditions and support affected communities.

Krystal Skinner, Executive General Manager at Horizon Power, emphasized that safety remains the company’s top priority.

“At this point in time, we haven’t seen huge impacts, but the cyclone is only really starting to hit,”

“From a remote community perspective, we have identified five communities at extreme risk given the cyclone’s path,”

“We’ve been in close contact with them and others in the impact zone to ensure they stay safe.”

Horizon Power is coordinating efforts with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and has temporarily halted all field operations until conditions improve.

“Once it’s safe to do so, we’ll inspect any potential damage and restore services as quickly as possible,”

Emergency services are urging residents in the warning zone to remain indoors and avoid travel until the cyclone passes.

Authorities advise those in flood-prone areas to prepare for rising waters and have emergency supplies on hand.

Residents can stay updated through the Bureau of Meteorology’s website and local emergency broadcasts.

Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Asad Khan speak with Horizon Power’s Krystal Skinner: