Cyclone Zelia strengthens, expected to impact WA coast Friday

Tropical Cyclone Zelia has formed off Western Australia's coast and is expected to make landfall as a category 3 storm by Friday, bringing destructive winds and heavy rainfall. As it approaches, damaging wind gusts of up to 160 km/h are predicted between Bidyadanga and Port Hedland, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing flood warnings for the region. Residents between Port Hedland and Broome are urged to prepare for severe impacts, including storm tides that could significantly raise water levels and cause dangerous flooding. Rainfall totals have already begun to rise, with Port Hedland receiving 67 millimeters overnight. The cyclone is currently moving south at 8 km/h and is about 320 km north-northeast of Port Hedland. Emergency services are advising residents to secure their properties and prepare emergency kits as the storm approaches.