Cyclone Zelia: Australia's North Coast Bracing for Impact

Australia's northern coast is on high alert as Cyclone Zelia, a powerful Category 5 storm, approaches. Meteorologists are warning of extremely strong winds and heavy rainfall. As of Thursday, the cyclone was located about 90 miles north of Port Hedland, with predictions of landfall along the Pilbara Coast as early as Friday morning. The storm is moving slowly, at less than 3 miles per hour, but it's packing a punch with winds up to 130 miles per hour. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather bulletin, describing Zelia as rapidly intensifying with strong convection around a warm eye. This means the storm is well-organized and could bring intense rainfall and destructive winds. The eastern side of the cyclone is already dumping heavy rain, and this is expected to intensify as the storm moves closer to the coast. Schools in the northern part of Western Australia have been closed as a precaution. Authorities are urging residents to take shelter as the cyclone brings winds of up to 115 miles per hour. The BOM advisory warns of heavy rainfall along the coast over the next couple of days, with the potential for flash flooding in coastal and inland areas between Wallal Downs and Karratha.The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued a "Cyclone Watch and Act" warning, advising people in parts of the Pilbara Coast, including Karratha, and inland areas like Marble Bar, to seek shelter. Two evacuation centers have been opened for those needing to evacuate. The DFES has also warned of multiple highway closures, with some roads already flooded. The ports of Dampier and Varanus Island, crucial for commodity exports, have been closed as a safety measure. The cyclone's path is expected to be steered southward due to a weakened anticyclone, with the most destructive part of the storm potentially hitting coastal areas between De Grey and Karratha on Friday night. However, landfall could be delayed until Saturday due to weak ridging to the south, which might drag the storm further west. Cyclone Zelia is a stark reminder of the power of nature. While meteorologists work to predict its path and intensity, residents must stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines. It's crucial to stay informed and prepared during such events. The cyclone's slow movement means prolonged exposure to strong winds and heavy rain, making it even more dangerous.