Tropical Cyclone Zelia Approaches: Expected Impact and Precautions

Tropical Cyclone Zelia is set to impact the northwest coast of Australia, with landfall expected early Friday evening. It may cause severe damage with anticipated sustained winds of 205 km/h and gusts up to 290 km/h. The cyclone, classified as Category 5, highlights concerns about increasing cyclone intensity due to climate change. Heavy rainfall and flooding are predicted as the storm moves inland, with precautionary measures advised for affected areas.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia is approaching the northwest coast of Australia, with a landfall expected early Friday evening. This powerful storm poses significant risks to Western Australia, particularly to Port Hedland, the largest town in the impacted area and a key iron ore export port. Strong winds may extend across the coastal regions and into inland areas such as Marble Bar, Tom Price, and Paraburdoo.

Even if Cyclone Zelia does not directly strike towns, it is anticipated to cause extensive damage. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts extreme sustained winds of approximately 205 kilometers an hour, with gusts potentially exceeding 290 kilometers an hour. Such wind speeds are capable of devastating homes, uprooting trees, downing power lines, and damaging vital infrastructure.

Classified as a Category 5 cyclone, Zelia represents the highest classification under the current storm intensity scale. As climate change intensifies its impact, discussions regarding the potential for a Category 6 to encompass stronger storms may arise. The classification system ranks cyclones, hurricanes, and typhoons according to their wind speeds, where a Category 5 storm is characterized as “extremely dangerous” and is capable of causing widespread devastation.

The severity of tropical cyclones is expected to increase with a warming climate, leading to quicker intensifications. Some scientists advocate for a Category 6 for storms with sustained winds above 309 kilometers an hour, arguing that a new category is necessary to communicate the escalating risks associated with climate change. While it remains uncertain if Cyclone Zelia is a direct result of climate change, evidence supports a link between global warming and the increased intensity of tropical cyclones.

Globally, 2024 set records as Earth’s warmest year, highlighting rising ocean temperatures conducive to cyclone formation. Cyclone Zelia exemplified this trend, intensifying from Category 1 to Category 5 in just over 24 hours. In addition, unprecedented sea surface temperatures off Australia’s northwest coast, exceeding normal temperatures by 4-5 degrees Celsius this summer, amplify the cyclone’s strength.

Climate change has also been observed to slow the forward movement of cyclones, prolonging the duration of their impact on land. Currently, Cyclone Zelia’s forward speed is measured at around 11 kilometers an hour, which will result in heavy rains and strong winds persisting for a significant period. Cyclones typically produce extreme winds near their eye, extending hundreds of kilometers and causing destruction across vast areas.

As the storm approaches Port Hedland, wind speeds of approximately 70-100 kilometers an hour are anticipated, which, while concerning, are not yet alarming. However, conditions are set to worsen as the cyclone moves closer. Local flooding has already been reported, and the Bureau of Meteorology warns of a considerable storm tide that may inundate coastal roads and properties, compounding the impending challenges.

The cyclone is projected to move inland over the weekend, gradually weakening, although strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding may still affect mining and Indigenous communities far from the coast. The Bureau of Meteorology provides continuous updates online, advising residents in the cyclone’s path to visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au or download the Emergency WA app for the latest alerts and warnings.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Zelia poses a severe threat to Western Australia, particularly to Port Hedland and surrounding areas. With expectations of extreme winds and heavy rainfall, the potential for extensive damage is high. The ongoing impact of climate change continues to influence the intensity and frequency of such storms, highlighting the necessity for preparedness and timely information for affected communities.

Original Source: theconversation.com