Preparations Intensify as Tropical Cyclone Zelia Approaches WA’s Pilbara Coast
A tropical cyclone, designated as Tropical Cyclone Zelia, is projected to develop off Western Australia’s coast, prompting preparations along the Kimberley and Pilbara regions. Authorities expect heavy rainfall and strong winds as the cyclone approaches, urging residents to remain aware and take necessary precautions. Flood advisories have been issued due to high saturation levels in local rivers.
Preparations are underway along the Pilbara coast of Western Australia as a tropical cyclone, expected to be named Tropical Cyclone Zelia, is anticipated to form in the coming days. The system is currently located approximately 290 kilometers north-west of Broome, moving south-west at nine kilometers per hour. Heavy rain and gale force winds, with speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour, are forecasted for the communities ranging from Cape Leveque to Port Hedland.
The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that the tropical low, designated 18U, is likely to intensify into a cyclone by Wednesday night. Joey Rawson, a duty forecaster at the Bureau, acknowledged the forecasting challenges surrounding this system. “On a scale of one to ten it’s probably up there. It’s jumping around like crazy,” Mr. Rawson stated, emphasizing the uncertainty of the cyclone’s landfall location, projected to be east of Port Hedland.
As the cyclone approaches, residents of the southern Kimberley coast should prepare for potential daily rainfall total accumulations of 30 to 40 millimeters, with localized areas possibly receiving as much as 80 millimeters. Due to the system’s slow movement, there is a risk of extremely high rainfall near the cyclone’s track. Additionally, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has distributed about 3,500 sandbags amid concerns for flooding in the region.
Flood advice has been issued for areas along the De Grey and parts of the Sandy Desert River catchments. According to Will Blackshaw, a superintendent at DFES, residents should remain vigilant and informed, encouraging actions based on location-specific advice. Mr. Blackshaw noted, “We ask that people take the actions that are commensurate to where they are.”
Furthermore, DFES has dispatched ten staff members from Perth to Karratha to prepare for the anticipated impact. These personnel will be strategically positioned according to the storm’s development and risk assessments. Through this concerted effort, authorities aim to mitigate the cyclone’s effects on affected communities as the situation develops.
In summary, preparations are intensifying along Western Australia’s Pilbara coast as the forecast indicates the formation of Tropical Cyclone Zelia. With heavy rains and damaging winds expected, local authorities are advising residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Significant rainfall could worsen already saturated river systems, prompting flood advisories. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are mobilizing resources to ensure community safety.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
