Cyclone Zelia made landfall in Western Australia, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to the region. The storm made landfall approximately 30 miles east of Port Hedland on Thursday, February 13, at 11:30 p.m. local time.
At its peak, Zelia was classified as a Category 4 storm with winds reaching 130 mph (209 km/h). However, it weakened slightly before making landfall due to cooler waters. The storm caused significant damage and dumping of rain in sparsely populated areas.
Zelia’s rapid intensification and long stall periods were unusual features of the storm. Record-warm ocean temperatures, which are 1-2 degrees Celsius (1.8-3.6°F) above average, contributed to its rapid growth. Climate experts attribute this warmth to human-caused climate change, making it more likely for Zelia to intensify rapidly.
This is not the first major storm to make landfall in Australia this season. However, it marks a notable event as Earth’s first major tropical cyclone to do so in 2025. The Australian region has experienced a near-average to above-average tropical cyclone season so far, with 16 named storms and six major hurricanes recorded.
The decrease in tropical cyclones in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly around Australia, can be attributed to changes in atmospheric circulation caused by reduced aerosol particles from stricter air pollution regulations. This trend suggests that climate change may be affecting storm patterns in the region.
Source: https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2025/02/cat-4-cyclone-zelia-hits-western-australia