Port Hedland is bracing for Tropical Cyclone Zelia, which is intensifying and expected to become a category-five storm later today. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued cyclone watch and act warnings for regions between Eighty Mile Beach and Whim Creek, including Port Hedland, as the cyclone’s trajectory shifts closer to the Western Australia (WA) coastline.
The storm, which began to form offshore, is now tracking steadily towards the coastline. Port Hedland, a town historically vulnerable to cyclonic conditions, is preparing for what could become one of the most severe weather events in the region’s recent history. With winds already intensifying, the town is on high alert, and residents are urged to prepare for potential destruction, flooding, and widespread disruption.
Buildings Face a Tough Test Against Extreme Winds
Dr. Geoff Boughton, a cyclone expert at the Cyclone Testing Station at James Cook University, emphasizes the challenge posed by Cyclone Zelia. While Port Hedland’s buildings are designed to withstand extreme conditions, many of them have not been maintained to the high standards needed to combat a category-five storm.
Key Concerns About Structural Integrity
- Port Hedland’s infrastructure was built with category four standards in mind, making the town vulnerable to the destructive force of a category five cyclone.
- The strong winds expected could test even the most resilient buildings.
- Some older buildings may not have been upgraded for decades, and flying debris remains a significant threat, even for well-maintained structures.
Dr Boughton reflects on Cyclone George (2007), a category three storm that caused significant damage largely due to poor maintenance.
“We’ve been designing buildings in that part of the world to withstand the highest winds in Australia,” Dr Boughton explained in an interview. However, he adds that poor maintenance and lack of upgrades in some older buildings may now pose a significant risk as the cyclone draws closer.
Port Hedland Residents Shift from Calm to Concerned
Port Hedland’s deputy mayor, Ash Christensen, reassures residents that Port Hedland is better prepared than many regions to withstand the force of Tropical Cyclone Zelia. The town’s strict building codes are designed to mitigate the impact of high winds.
“We definitely have the best codes and the best building standards that you can ask for,” Christensen stated, reflecting the community’s confidence in its preparedness.
However, as the storm’s impact becomes more imminent, local attitudes are changing. Residents who initially showed a calm response to the approaching cyclone have shifted toward greater concern. As one resident put it, “People were initially a bit more relaxed, but now it’s definitely getting more real.” The urgency in securing homes, businesses, and supplies is now apparent.
Figure 3: Tropical Cyclone Zelia is expected to intensify to category five strength today. (Windy.com)
Panic Buying and Last-Minute Preparations
Chris Ward, a local resident of Port Hedland, mentioned that preparations for the approaching Tropical Cyclone Zelia were well underway in the iron ore town, which has a population of approximately 16,000. As the cyclone drew closer, residents were taking necessary precautions.
“The rain has well and truly started. People are stocking up at the supermarket on food and water and tying down stuff around their homes,” Ward told AAP. “The airport is getting busy too; FIFO (or fly-in-fly-out) workers are flying out. Looks like it’s going to be a wet and wild Valentine’s Day.”
Mining giant BHP has paused all non-essential travel to Port Hedland, though iron ore mines in the area continue to operate. Local authorities have been working closely with retailers to ensure that essential supplies are available for rural, Indigenous, and isolated communities as the cyclone moves toward the eastern Pilbara coast.
In addition to these measures, additional personnel, flood boats, and aircraft have been pre-deployed to assist in emergency response efforts if necessary.
Michael Bell, a Port Hedland resident, is experiencing his first cyclone and has noticed a significant shift in behaviour around the town. He describes how shop shelves are rapidly emptying, with residents stocking up on essentials in anticipation of the storm.
- Water, canned goods, and basic first-aid supplies are almost sold out across local stores.
- Thousands of sandbags have been distributed across Port Hedland to reduce the risk of flooding.
- Residents are securing their homes and businesses and preparing for a difficult few days ahead.
“Hopefully, it doesn’t get too hectic, but it’s looking pretty gnarly out there,” Bell said as he made his final preparations for the storm.
Cyclone Zelia Intensifies Off WA Coast
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) continues to monitor Cyclone Zelia’s progress, reporting that it is currently positioned 140 kilometres northwest of Port Hedland and 240 kilometres northeast of Karratha.
- The storm is moving slowly at a rate of just 6 kilometres per hour and is intensifying as it approaches the coast.
- Cyclone Zelia is expected to bring devastating winds reaching speeds of up to 290 kilometres per hour, along with heavy rain that could lead to flooding in the area.
Dean Narramore, senior meteorologist at BoM, warned of the immense danger posed by the cyclone, especially as its core approaches the region. He mentioned that the wind speeds could exceed 280 km/h, and the storm’s impact could lead to widespread damage and power outages. Additionally, rainfall of over 500mm is expected, with the possibility of flash floods exacerbating the danger.
What to Expect from the Cyclone’s Core
Narramore outlined some of the main threats expected to accompany Cyclone Zelia:
- Destructive winds will cause widespread damage to structures, including roofs and walls.
- Heavy rain will increase the potential for flash flooding in low-lying areas.
- A dangerous storm surge is expected along the Pilbara coast, with the potential to flood beaches and low-lying areas.
Figure 4: Situation in Port Hedland as tweeted by an X user (Credit: X/@OreboundImages)
Emergency Response Teams on High Alert
Emergency response teams are taking every precaution to ensure Port Hedland and surrounding communities are prepared for the worst. With the potential for devastating damage, authorities have deployed personnel to assist in emergency evacuations, aid distribution, and other critical services.
Key Actions Taken by Emergency Services
- 40 emergency personnel have been deployed to Port Hedland to assist with response efforts.
- Five flood boats, with 10 trained crews, are on standby to assist in flood rescue operations.
- Four aircraft have been readied for rapid response and aerial surveillance.
- Evacuation centres have been set up at key locations, including the JD Hardie Youth and Community Hub in South Hedland.
- Flights in and out of Port Hedland have been cancelled by both Qantas and Virgin Australia due to the severity of the storm.
Premier Roger Cook reiterated the serious nature of the storm and urged residents to take the cyclone seriously.
“This is a dangerous system. It’s big, it’s strong, and it’s very unpredictable,” he said.
Learning from Past Cyclones
Dr Boughton reflected on Cyclone Seroja (2021), which led to improvements in building codes for areas like Marble Bar and Kalbarri in WA’s Midwest and Pilbara regions. He noted that Cyclone Seroja’s impact led to the implementation of more stringent building standards designed to reduce vulnerability in future storms.
Upcoming Changes in Building Standards
- A revised building code will be introduced in May 2025 to improve cyclone resistance for homes in the region.
- These new regulations will increase construction standards to category five for towns like Port Hedland, Marble Bar, and Kalbarri.
Final Warnings and Safety Measures
As Cyclone Zelia approaches, authorities continue to issue warnings and safety tips to ensure that residents are well-prepared for the storm’s impact.
How to Stay Safe During the Cyclone
- Secure loose objects around homes and businesses.
- Stock up on emergency supplies, including water, food, and medical kits.
- Follow evacuation orders if issued.
- Stay indoors and away from windows during the storm.
- Monitor official updates from the Bureau of Meteorology and local emergency services.
Authorities are urging residents to be on high alert as Cyclone Zelia approaches Port Hedland, with landfall expected by Friday night. The community is preparing for the storm’s potential to cause extensive damage and widespread disruption.
