Tropical Cyclone Zelia Approaches Western Australia, Warnings Issued

Tropical Cyclone Zelia, classified as a category five storm, is rapidly approaching Western Australia's Pilbara coast, with landfall expected late Friday or early Saturday. The Bureau of Meteorology warns of catastrophic wind gusts up to 320 km/h and over 500 mm of rainfall, posing a significant risk to lives and property in areas like Port Hedland and Karratha. Preparations are underway, with schools closed, evacuation centers established, and major roads and ports shut down as residents are advised to take shelter. Emergency services have deployed helicopters and aircraft to assist in potential rescue operations. The cyclone's unpredictable path has added urgency to warnings, with officials emphasizing the severity of the situation. This follows a recent cyclone incident in the region, highlighting the area’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.