A powerful tropical cyclone, Zelia, is barreling towards the Pilbara region in northwestern Australia, expected to bring devastating winds and flooding to the area by late Friday. The storm has sustained wind speeds of about 127 miles per hour and is predicted to make landfall as a Category 3 Atlantic hurricane.
The region, which is Australia’s mining heartland, is home to major iron ore mines operated by Rio Tinto, Fortescue, and BHP. A key port in the area, Port Hedland, has already closed due to the storm. Wind gusts of up to 180 miles per hour are expected, capable of destroying houses and causing widespread damage.
The cyclone is also forecast to bring flash flooding and coastal surges, with parts of the region receiving over 19 inches of rain. As a result, ports in the area have halted operations, including Dampier Port and the Port of Varanus Island.
Rio Tinto has paused its operations at Port Hedland and Dampier, clearing ships and trains from its ports in the region. The storm’s impact is expected to be felt by the local community, with several major roads closed and national parks shut down. With its powerful winds and potential for widespread destruction, Cyclone Zelia poses a significant threat to the region.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/world/cyclone-zelia-australia.html