Communities brace for cyclone terror

Indigenous communities in north-west WA are bracing for a category 5 cyclone to cross the coast tomorrow (Friday) as both Karratha and Port Hedland at at risk of a direct impact from Tropical Cyclone Zelai.

The Weather Bureau is uncertain of its exact path but said it had been upgrade to category five with winds expected to reach 290km/h.

More than 500 millimetres of rain is expected to fall with high tides impacting river catchments.

“This is the most powerful tropical cyclone you can get,” senior meteorologist Angus Hines said.

The North West Coastal Highway is closed between Port Hedland Roy Hill and number of other rods around Port Hedland have been shut.

DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm told reporters isolated communities had been adequately stocked with supplies, but regional airpots have been closed to emergencies only.

Marble Bar, Nullagine and several remote Aboriginal communities in the east Pilbara have decided not to be evacuate.

Pardoo received 228mm of rain in the last 24 hours as authorities have warned of significant flooding.

The port of Port Hedland has been closed and mining companies Fortescue and BHP have suspended all non-essential travel.