Meteorologists map out cyclone path as Australia’s west coast braces for Zelia’s ‘severe impact’

Cyclone Zelia has now formed off Western Australia, and a tropical low is steadily heading for the coast.

It is expected to hit land along the east Pilbara coast before the weekend, with residents in the impact zone urged to prepare for destructive winds and floods.

Zelia is currently tracking south at a speed of 8km/h, gaining strength over warmer waters, and is now approximately 320km north-northeast of Port Hedland.

“The slow movement of the system is likely to produce very high rainfall totals near the track,” the Bureau of Meteorology said.

Residents between Port Hedland and Broome have been warned to brace for the “severe impact” to the east Pilbara coast or adjacent Kimberley coast on Thursday and Friday.

The cyclone is increasing in intensity as it moves — currently pegged at a category 1, Zelia is expected to develop into a category 3 by the time it reaches the coastline.

Heavy “locally intense rainfall” is expected to hit the coast and inland areas between Bidyadanga and Port Hedland, and between Broome and Dampier, where flash flooding could occur on Wednesday night.

On Wednesday, damaging winds gusts moving at speeds of 120km/h are also expected to hit the coast between Port Hedland and Broome but not including Broome.

“These damaging wind gusts may extend west to Dampier on Thursday, if the system moves further west than forecast,” BOM said.

Even more “destructive” wind gusts, moving at speeds of 160km/h, are also expected to hit the region between Bidyadanga and Port Hedland on Thursday

Residents inland as far as Marble Bar are in the BOM watch zone.

“There is always some uncertainty associated with tropical cyclone forecasting,” BOM said.

“Due to the uncertainty in the future movement, the indicated winds will almost certainly extend to regions outside the rings on this map. The extent of the warning and watch zones reflects this.”

Storm tide warnings have also been issued to residents in the impact zones.

“Residents between De Grey and Bidyadanga are specifically warned of the potential of a dangerous storm tide as the cyclone centre crosses the coast,” BOM said.

“Tides are likely to rise significantly above the normal high tide mark, with damaging waves and dangerous flooding.”

Locals have been warned to prepare before it is too late, and ships are preparing to abandon the port of Port Hedland.

David Stoate from Anna Plains Station told 7NEWS he is “tidying up and tying down a few buildings, making sure all the rubbish is put away, and no debris can fly about the place”.

Stoate said his community on “the most cyclone-prone coast of Australia” is “used to seeing cyclones” and hopes Zelia brings more rain than wind when it hits.