In brief
Cyclone Zelia, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, struck near Port Hedland, forcing residents into shelter and complicating conditions for vital iron ore exports.
Tropical Cyclone Zelia made a significant impact on Friday afternoon as it hit northwest Australia, unleashing fierce winds and torrential rainfall in an area known for its critical mining operations. Authorities urged locals to stay indoors as they prepared for a storm that matched the intensity of a Category 4 hurricane. Meteorologists reported that Zelia made landfall at 12:30 p.m. local time, approximately 34 miles northeast of Port Hedland—home to around 15,000 residents in the Pilbara region, where some of the largest iron ore mines globally are located. The storm boasted wind speeds reaching 132 miles per hour, according to data from the U.S. Navy’s Joint Typhoon Warning Center. A tropical cyclone warning has been issued for the area from Wallal Downs to Roebourne, extending roughly 150 miles from Port Hedland. Authorities predicted heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and wind gusts reaching up to 100 miles per hour, with even more destructive winds expected closer to the cyclone’s eye. Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury from Australia's Bureau of Meteorology had warned that winds could reach 180 miles per hour, powerful enough to devastate trees and structural properties. Residents in Port Hedland and nearby areas were advised to take cover, keeping away from doors and windows. Schools and roads were closed as a precautionary measure against flooding. Reports indicated that while Port Hedland may avoid the cyclone's most destructive path, significant risks remain for surrounding regions. Major ports across the Pilbara, including Port Hedland, which accounts for nearly 40 percent of the global supply of iron ore, prepared for the cyclone's wrath. The port was closed ahead of the storm on Wednesday, with additional closures at Dampier Port used by Rio Tinto and the Varanus Island processing hub for oil and fuel initiated on Thursday. While Zelia is expected to weaken as it progresses inland throughout the weekend, heavy rainfall is still anticipated as the storm moves southward.
