Weatherwatch: Cyclone Zelia brings 130mph winds to north-west Australia
Tropical cyclone first to make landfall this year, while a winter storm causes extreme cold across north-eastern US
Cyclone Zelia became the first tropical cyclone to make landfall in 2025, hitting north-west Australia on Valentine’s Day as a category 4 system. It brought damaging winds of 130mph and heavy rainfall, with 440mm of rain falling in two days. Prior to landfall, Zelia affected southern Indonesia, including Bali, with winds of more than 45mph. The storm weakened into a tropical low by Saturday, but continued to cause widespread flooding, particularly near the Pilbara rivers and the Great Sandy Desert.
Zelia intensified rapidly because of the record-warm Indian Ocean temperatures, which were 1-2C above the seasonal average, providing increased energy and moisture to fuel the storm. While Port Hedland in Western Australia had minimal damage, nearby areas like Pilbara and Marble Bar faced flooding and fallen trees. The Great Northern Highway remains closed, disrupting food supplies and leaving supermarket shelves empty. The tropical low is now tracking southwards, with rainfall becoming patchier and lighter.
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Tropical Cyclone Zelia Heads Toward Australia’s Pilbara
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Australia braces for 'very destructive winds' as Category 5 cyclone nears landfall
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Tropical Cyclone Zelia rapidly strengthens near Australia, could reach Category 5 before landfall
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