Cyclone Zelia RECAP: Downgraded to category two, approaching Marble Bar

WA’s building regulator has issued safety advice to residents using generators or returning to damaged properties.

Building & Energy WA, part of the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, said people should be careful in case of any safety hazards upon their return.

“We want emergency equipment such as generators and LP gas appliances to be used correctly to avoid exposing anyone to electrical safety risks or carbon monoxide hazards,” energy safety director Saj Abdoolakhan said.

“When emergency services advise that you can return to your property, be aware of potential hazards from damaged or submerged electrical infrastructure or gas leaks.

“Avoid turning on the power or electrical and gas appliances until they can be checked by a professional.”

Mr Abdoolakhan said punters should always use licensed professionals for any electrical, gas or plumbing works.

DFES has said a whopping 500mm of rain has been dumped east of Port Hedland over the last three days.

But locals near the warning zone are reminded to stay vigilant.

“Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia battered Port Hedland today as the eye of the Category 4 system crossed the coast near De Grey around lunchtime, bringing destructive winds and torrential rain that uprooted trees and flooded streets,” they said.

“We’ve received 57 requests for assistance across the Pilbara over the past 48 hours, with Zelia dumping a whopping 500mm of rain east of Port Hedland in just three days.

“We’re not out of the woods yet, though! Marble Bar could cop destructive winds tonight as the downgraded Category 3 system tracks south towards Newman.

“Big thanks to those who followed our warnings and stayed inside, but now is NOT the time to be complacent. Near-record rainfall is expected to cause major flooding across the region, so stay away from floodwaters – just 30cm can wash away a 4WD!

As we move into the response phase, nine aircraft – including two Australian Defence Force planes – are ready to resupply isolated communities and relocate stranded residents.”

For the latest information visit emergency.wa.gov.au or the Emergency WA app and if your home is badly damaged, call the SES on 132 500

.

Marble Bar residents are being warned to act immediately as there is a threat to lives and homes after the emergency warning zone expanded to include the town.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services expanded the emergency area at 5.40pm to take in Marble Bar as Cyclone Zelia continues its trajectory inland.

Those in the area are being told to shelter indoors now as it is too late to leave.

People should stay in the strongest, safest part of the building and avoid doors and windows, which should be closed.

The emergency warning zone still includes Port Hedland and the area of Pardoo Roadhouse to east of Whim Creek and inland to Marble Bar.

Hedland State Emergency Service is urgently reminding residents to stay indoors as TC Zelia continues to lash the region.

In a Facebook post, Hedland SES reinforced that the area remains under an emergency warning, urging locals to stay inside for their safety.

“No driving around the streets. Please comply, as we face the risk of further severe weather events,” the post said.

The warning comes after worrying reports from locals, who spotted motorists still on the roads as the cyclone made landfall.

Pardoo Station and De Grey weather stations have both seen record 24-hour rainfall, with the latter shattering an 84-year-old record.

In the 24 hours leading up to 9am, De Grey recorded 261mm of rain.

The amount broke the previous record of 251mm set in March 1941.

Pardoo Station recorded 228mm in the same timeframe, also eclipsing its previous record of 200mm set in February 2013.

Both areas are a chance to outdo their records again with official numbers coming in at 9am tomorrow.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia has been downgraded to a category three storm as it continues to move inland.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology as of 4pm the cyclone had sustained winds near the centre of 150 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 205km/h.

Bureau senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said the storms path would continue to weaken tonight.

“It’s continuing to move inland away from the coast as a category three system,” he said.

“It’s currently 75km to the east-south-east of Port Hedland and 95km north northwest of marble bar, moving south-south-east at 17km/h.”

Hedland Psychologists are offering the Hedland community complimentary online consulations during this critical time.

Appointments are available today and tomorrow.

Book via their website: https://www.hedlandpsychologists.com.au/

DFES confirmed there has been 57 calls to SES for assistance from 5pm yesterday to 4pm today but no loss of homes or lives have been reported.

Pilbara Ports have reopened the Dampier and Varanus Island ports following inspections of navigation aids, channels and berths.

The port authority confirmed safe operations can resume and the ports were reopened as of 3pm.

“Pilbara Ports is liaising with terminal and vessel operators and stakeholders to plan the resumption of shipping,” a spokesperson said.

“We wish to thank everyone involved for their cooperation and understanding during this cyclone event.”