Tropical Cyclone Zelia is expected to make landfall on the northwest coast of Australia, posing a significant threat due to projected wind speeds of up to 290km/h. Port Hedland is primarily at risk, with the cyclone likely to cause extensive damage. Climate change is influencing the intensity of such storms, leading to discussions about potential new cyclone categories. Residents should prepare for severe impacts and monitor updates.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia is approaching the northwest coast of Australia and is expected to make landfall on Friday evening. This storm poses a significant threat as Port Hedland, the largest town in the area and a vital iron ore export port, faces imminent danger. Strong winds may affect coastal regions and areas further inland such as Marble Bar, Tom Price, and Paraburdoo.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns of sustained winds reaching up to 205 kilometers per hour, with gusts potentially exceeding 290 kilometers per hour. Such wind speeds have the potential to obliterate homes, uproot trees, and damage power lines and other critical infrastructure. Categorized as a Category 5 cyclone, Zelia is one of the most severe types, which may prompt discussions about introducing a Category 6 due to intensifying climate influences.
Cyclones globally are categorized from 1 to 5 based on wind speeds, with Category 1 causing minimal damage to vegetation and Category 5 resulting in extensive destruction. As global warming progresses, cyclones are becoming more potent and developing more rapidly. Scientists argue for a Category 6 to address the increased risks posed by climate change, specifically for cyclones with wind speeds exceeding 309 kilometers per hour.
Research indicates a correlation between climate change and the increasing intensity of tropical cyclones. In 2024, global temperatures reached an all-time high, which is linked to rising ocean heat content in regions where cyclones form. Warmer ocean and atmospheric conditions provide additional energy for cyclones, resulting in rapid development, exemplified by Zelia’s rapid intensification from Category 1 to Category 5.
Australia’s northwest coast is currently seeing record-high sea surface temperatures, rising 4-5°C above normal this summer. Such conditions contribute to more severe cyclones, like Hurricane Milton, which intensified rapidly in warm Gulf of Mexico waters last year. If global temperatures continue to climb, the frequency and intensity of severe cyclones are expected to rise.
Slowing cyclone movement due to climate change prolongs damage caused by high winds and storm surges. Currently, Zelia’s movement speed is approximately 11 kilometers per hour, leading to extended durations of heavy rain and strong winds. Cyclone winds can spread for hundreds of kilometers, sometimes resulting in opposite directional winds that can further worsen damage on the ground.
Winds around Port Hedland are currently 70-100 kilometers per hour, which, while concerning, are not yet alarming. However, conditions are expected to deteriorate throughout the afternoon, particularly to the east. Local flooding has already been reported, affecting rail lines, with forecasts indicating further heavy rain and potential storm tides that could result in coastal flooding.
As the cyclone progresses inland over the weekend, it will gradually weaken but may still bring strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding to mining and Indigenous communities far inland. The Bureau of Meteorology is providing consistent updates; residents in the cyclone’s path should refer to www.emergency.wa.gov.au or download the Emergency WA app for essential alerts and warnings.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Zelia poses a significant risk to Western Australia, with potential for extensive damage due to extreme wind speeds and storm surges. Climate change may be contributing to the intensification of such storms, prompting discussions of re-evaluating severity classification. The cyclone is expected to affect coastal and inland regions extensively, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and preparedness against severe weather events.
Original Source: theconversation.com
