Preparations Intensify as Tropical Cyclone Zelia Approaches WA’s Pilbara Coast

Western Australia’s Pilbara coast is preparing for Tropical Cyclone Zelia, expected to form soon, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. The system is currently about 290 kilometers north-west of Broome and may reach category two strength by Thursday. Authorities are distributing sandbags and advising residents to stay informed as severe weather impacts are anticipated.

Preparations are underway along Western Australia’s Pilbara coast as a tropical cyclone, designated Tropical Cyclone Zelia, is anticipated to form in the coming days. The cyclone is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, raising concerns among local authorities for potential severe weather impacts throughout the week as the cyclone’s exact path remains uncertain.

The current tropical low, identified as 18U, is situated approximately 290 kilometers north-west of Broome and is moving south-westward at about nine kilometers per hour. As it intensifies by Wednesday night, forecasts predict it could reach category two strength by Thursday. Bureau of Meteorology duty forecaster Joey Rawson noted the challenges of forecasting the cyclone’s trajectory, emphasizing that the forecast landfall east of Port Hedland is by no means certain.

Weather impacts are likely to include gale-force winds reaching up to 100 kilometers per hour and substantial rainfall estimates of 30-40 millimeters across the southern Kimberley coast, with potential peaks of 80 millimeters in affected areas. The slow movement of the system as it approaches the coast may lead to significantly high rainfall near the cyclone’s projected path.

In response to the impending cyclone, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has distributed approximately 3,500 sandbags over the weekend to assist residents in preparing for potential flooding. A flood advice alert has been activated for certain areas in the De Grey and Sandy Desert River catchments in Pilbara, as increasing rainfall could exacerbate existing conditions as river saturation levels are already high.

DFES Superintendent Will Blackshaw urged the public to stay informed and engage with updated information regarding the cyclone. He highlighted the importance of adhering to specific safety measures outlined in the new warning system, advising residents to make preparations suitable for their location. Furthermore, DFES has mobilized ten personnel from Perth to Karratha to facilitate responses based on the developing situation, indicating readiness to deploy additional resources as necessary.

In summary, Western Australia prepares for the potential formation of Tropical Cyclone Zelia, which may impact the Kimberley and Pilbara regions with heavy rainfall and strong winds. Local authorities emphasize the unpredictable nature of the cyclone’s path while providing residents with resources and safety information. The community is urged to remain vigilant and proactive in their preparations as the situation evolves.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au