Cyclone Zelia makes landfall in Western Australia as residents told its ‘too late to evacuate’
The IndependentSign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Severe tropical cyclone Zelia made landfall on Australia's west coast on Friday, bringing heavy wind gusts and record-breaking rainfall to the country’s most resource-rich region. open image in gallery Local residents getting sandbags in the town of Port Hedland, ahead of the arrival of category five Cyclone Zelia The Bureau of Meteorology warned of torrential rainfall, with up to 300mm expected in the next 24 hours and three-day totals of up to 500mm. Port Hedland, the world’s largest iron ore export terminal, shut down on Wednesday, with major mining giants like BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue, and Hancock halting operations and asking staff to shelter. “The elevated sea surface temperatures are playing a role in helping drive up the intensity as there’s more moisture in the atmosphere and that’s why severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia will potentially create flash flooding when it hits the coast,” climate councillor professor David Karoly said.
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Residents prepare for the first cyclone in 51 years to hit the Australian coast near Brisbane
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Port Hedland in Western Australia's Pilbara region reopens after Tropical Cyclone Zelia
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Cyclone Zelia hits WA coast
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Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia hitting WA's Pilbara coast at category five
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Port Hedland braces for category five Tropical Cyclone Zelia
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Australia braces for most powerful cyclone in 8 years
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