On February 14, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Zelia made landfall in northwestern Australia, posing a serious threat to local communities and global supply chains.
Tropical Cyclone Zelia Strikes Northwest Australia: Residents Ordered to Shelter
Tropical Cyclone Zelia Strikes Northwest Australia: Residents Ordered to Shelter
Severe weather brings destructive winds and torrential rain, impacting critical mining and port operations.
Tropical Cyclone Zelia hit the coast of northwestern Australia on Friday afternoon, unleashing rampant rainfall and fierce winds that have raised significant concerns among residents and officials alike. Classified as equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, the storm made landfall at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time, just 34 miles northeast of Port Hedland, a crucial town in the Pilbara region known for its extensive iron ore mining operations.
According to meteorological sources, Zelia packed winds reaching up to 132 miles per hour, necessitating immediate action from authorities who urged residents to remain indoors to shield themselves from the storm's destructive force. A tropical cyclone warning has been issued for areas ranging from Wallal Downs to Roebourne, approximately 150 miles from Port Hedland, with forecasts predicting intense rain and flash flooding throughout the region.
Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury shared concerns regarding wind gusts that may surge to 100 miles per hour. Forecasts indicated that closer to Zelia's eye, wind speeds could escalate to destructive levels exceeding 180 miles per hour, endangering both structures and vegetation in the storm's path.
In anticipation of the cyclone's arrival, officials declared a state of emergency in Port Hedland and adjacent areas, advising residents to avoid windows and doors. Schools and roads in flood-prone regions closed promptly in response to the unfolding crisis. It's expected that Port Hedland will skirt Zelia's most catastrophic effects, as noted by the Bureau of Meteorology.
Preparations in the Pilbara region intensified, given the area's significance as the world’s largest iron ore exporter, which accounts for nearly 40% of the global supply. Port Hedland had already shut down operations on Wednesday, followed by the closures of Dampier Port, utilized by mining giant Rio Tinto, and the Port of Varanus Island, a pivotal processing center for oil and fuel supplies.
While Zelia is anticipated to lose intensity as it migrates inland over the coming weekend, meteorologists further indicated that heavy rainfall will persist as the cyclone tracks southward.
John Yoon is a reporter covering pressing news developments and trends from Seoul.
According to meteorological sources, Zelia packed winds reaching up to 132 miles per hour, necessitating immediate action from authorities who urged residents to remain indoors to shield themselves from the storm's destructive force. A tropical cyclone warning has been issued for areas ranging from Wallal Downs to Roebourne, approximately 150 miles from Port Hedland, with forecasts predicting intense rain and flash flooding throughout the region.
Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury shared concerns regarding wind gusts that may surge to 100 miles per hour. Forecasts indicated that closer to Zelia's eye, wind speeds could escalate to destructive levels exceeding 180 miles per hour, endangering both structures and vegetation in the storm's path.
In anticipation of the cyclone's arrival, officials declared a state of emergency in Port Hedland and adjacent areas, advising residents to avoid windows and doors. Schools and roads in flood-prone regions closed promptly in response to the unfolding crisis. It's expected that Port Hedland will skirt Zelia's most catastrophic effects, as noted by the Bureau of Meteorology.
Preparations in the Pilbara region intensified, given the area's significance as the world’s largest iron ore exporter, which accounts for nearly 40% of the global supply. Port Hedland had already shut down operations on Wednesday, followed by the closures of Dampier Port, utilized by mining giant Rio Tinto, and the Port of Varanus Island, a pivotal processing center for oil and fuel supplies.
While Zelia is anticipated to lose intensity as it migrates inland over the coming weekend, meteorologists further indicated that heavy rainfall will persist as the cyclone tracks southward.
John Yoon is a reporter covering pressing news developments and trends from Seoul.
