Tropical Cyclone Zelia hit Western Australia on Friday with gusts of up to 290 kilometers per hour. The slow-moving cyclone was the highest category possible, and while it landed east of Port Hedland, sparing the town from the worst of the storm's winds, it still resulted in emergency warnings and the closure of local ports. According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, the cyclone was in the highest category of five when it hit. However, the eye of the cyclone passed east of Port Hedland, greatly reducing the risk of a storm surge in that area. Still, the impact of Zelia's fierce winds and heavy rainfall will be felt throughout Western Australia for some time. Tropical cyclones like Zelia are not uncommon in this region, but they can have devastating effects on local communities and industries. The closure of ports due to weather events such as this one can disrupt global supply chains and cause significant economic losses. It is important that we continue to monitor these storms closely and take steps to mitigate their impact whenever possible. Additionally, the increasing frequency and severity of tropical cyclones worldwide are a clear sign that we must act quickly and decisively to address climate change. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energy sources, we can help reduce the risk of future catastrophic weather events like Zelia.?

Tropical Cyclone Zelia hit Western Australia on Friday with gusts of up to 290 kilometers per hour. The slow-moving cyclone was the highest category possible, and while it landed east of Port Hedland, sparing the town from the worst of the storm's winds, it still resulted in emergency warnings and the closure of local ports. According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, the cyclone was in the highest category of five when it hit. However, the eye of the cyclone passed east of Port Hedland, greatly reducing the risk of a storm surge in that area. Still, the impact of Zelia's fierce winds and heavy rainfall will be felt throughout Western Australia for some time. Tropical cyclones like Zelia are not uncommon in this region, but they can have devastating effects on local communities and industries. The closure of ports due to weather events such as this one can disrupt global supply chains and cause significant economic losses. It is important that we continue to monitor these storms closely and take steps to mitigate their impact whenever possible. Additionally, the increasing frequency and severity of tropical cyclones worldwide are a clear sign that we must act quickly and decisively to address climate change. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energy sources, we can help reduce the risk of future catastrophic weather events like Zelia.?