Tropical Cyclone Zelia makes landfall, 500mm of rain possible

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Tropical Cyclone Zelia has made landfall in Western Australia, with locals preparing for gale-force winds of up to 290kph, over 500mm of rainfall, and flash flooding in the Pilbara region.

The weather system made landfall at 12.30pm (AWST) near the mouth of De Grey River, just north-east of Port Hedland, and was downgraded to a category 4 storm by the Bureau of Meteorology.

The severe tropical cyclone will take a general southerly course over the mainland and lose its strength.

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Residents in the region, one of the world's biggest iron ore exporters, have been advised to stay indoors.

It's all hands on deck for emergency services in the region, who are gearing up to assist in the aftermath of the cyclone.

Earlier today, motorists were advised to avoid driving with some attempting to navigate through hazardous floodwaters.

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"On a Friday at midday, Western Standard Time, the centre of the system was roughly 65 kilometres north-east of Port Hedland, moving south-east at a speed of about 11km/h," Matthew Collopy from the Bureau of Meteorology said.

The very destructive centre of the cyclone, the area around the eye of the storm, is now affecting the coast to the east of Port Hedland, with wind gusts of up to 290km/h and heavy rain and flooding being experienced.

Port Hedland isn't expected to cop a hammering from the eyewall winds, which are forecast to be pretty destructive.

But damaging to destructive wind gusts are still expected this arvo and into this arvo.

Collopy said on the eastern side of the tropical cyclone track, a hazardous storm tide is possible, which could lead to flash flooding in coastal areas.

Rainfall totals of between 200mm to 300mm are forecast for the next 24 hours, with totals of up to 500mm possible over the next three days.

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The region has already clocked up totals exceeding 300mm.

The rain has fallen on already soaked catchments, which could lead to flash and river flooding.

As the system continues to move south, it's expected to lose strength and the winds will ease off.

"This is a system that poses a very high level of risk and will have considerable consequences," Collopy said.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services commissioner, Darren Klemm, has warned residents not to get too comfortable after the cyclone has passed.

"It's vital that communities affected by the cyclone don't get too comfortable because the dangers won't disappear just because the cyclone has moved on," Klemm said.

After a cyclone hits, the situation can be just as hazardous as the storm itself, with buildings damaged, powerlines down and debris scattered everywhere.

It's crucial that people stay inside until the alerts are updated on the Emergency WA site.

Earlier today Port Hedland deputy mayor Ashleigh Christensen said he had faith "the Pilbara spirit will see us through".

"We'll get through whatever we have to get through," Christensen said.

We generally plan for the worst-case scenario and hope for the best.

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