Tropical Cyclone Zelia has reached category three strength as its continues to track towards Western Australia’s Pilbara coast.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) now forecasts Zelia will reach category five sometime Thursday. It has the potential to bring destructive wind gusts Thursday night and more likely Friday as it approaches the coast.
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Cyclone Zelia is currently about 135km north of Port Hedland with sustained winds near the centre of 155kph and gusts of up to 220kph.
The BOM says there is still uncertainty as to where and when the inner core of the cyclone will cross the coast.
It expects heavy rainfall on the coast during the next couple of days, with falls locally intense near the centre of Zelia as it crosses the coast.
Bidyadanga to Dampier, including Port Hedland, Karratha and Dampier, and extending inland to Marble Bar remain under the warning zones. Meanwhile, Dampier to Mardie and inland areas to Nullagine are under watch zones.
The latest on Tropical Cyclone Zelia from the Western Australia Briefing:
A Cyclone Watch and Act has been issued between Eighty Mile Beach to Whim Creek and insland to Marbel Bar.
Residents are advised to take action and ready to shelter as there “is a possible threat to lives and home.”
An evactuation centre has been established at the JD Hardie Youth and Community Hub in South Hedland.
School closures are in place across Port Hedland, South Hedland, Yandeyarra, and Marble Bar.
Great Northern Highway, Ripon Hills Road, and Marble Bar Road will be shut from 10:30am.
For the latest updates and warnings, visit the BOM website and EmergencyWA.
Information correct at time of publishing: 9:15am Thursday 13, January AEDT.
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