Tag Archives: Western Australia

Tropical Cyclone Errol Intensifies Northwest of Australia

Tropical Cyclone Errol intensified over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Australia on Tuesday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Errol was located at latitude 13.9°S and longitude 120.5°E which put the center about 290 miles (470 km) north-northwest of Broome, Australia.  Errol was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 992 mb.

A former Tropical Low over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Australia started to intensify on Tuesday and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Errol.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Errol exhibited much more organization on Tuesday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the southern and western sides of the center of Errol’s circulation.  The strongest winds were occurring in the inner part of that rainband.  Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Errol.  Storms near the center of Errol’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Errol was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Errol’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Errol will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Errol will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over Australia and the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Errol will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Errol could intensify rapidly at times.  Tropical Cyclone Errol will strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.  Errol could intensify to the equivalent of a major hurricane on Wednesday.

Tropical Cyclone Errol will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer the Tropical Low toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Errol will remain north of Western Australia during the next day or so.  Errol could move back toward the southeast later this week.

Tropical Low Causes Warning for Western Australia

The risk posed by a Tropical Low caused the Australia Bureau of Meteorology to issue a Warning for a portion of the coast of Western Australia on Saturday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of the Tropical Low was located at latitude 12.2°S and longitude 125.8°E which put the center about 260 miles (420 km) north-northeast of Kuri Bay, Australia.  The Tropical Low was moving toward the southwest at 4 m.p.h. (6 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1003 mb.

A Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast of Western Australia from Kalumburu to Kuri Bay.

A Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast of Western Australia from Kuri Bay to Cockatoo Island.

The U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center designated the Tropical Low as Tropical Cyclone 29S.

The Tropical Low was strengthening gradually as it moved near the northern coast of Western Australia.  Vertical wind shear was still causing the distribution of thunderstorms to be asymmetrical.  The Tropical Low was under the northern part of an upper level ridge that extended from Australia to the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level ridge was producing northeasterly winds that were causing the vertical wind shear.  Most of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of the Tropical Low.  Bands in the northern side of the Tropical Low consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the south and west of the Tropical Low.  The removal of mass in the upper levels was nearly equal to the inflow of mass in the lower levels of the atmosphere.  The balance of inflow and outflow was causing the surface pressure to remain constant.

The asymmetric distribution of thunderstorms was also causing the pattern of wind speeds to be asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) in the southern side of the Tropical Low.  The winds in the northern part of the Tropical Low were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

The Tropical Low will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  The Tropical Low will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  The northern part of an upper level ridge over Australia and the South Indian Ocean will continue to produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of the Tropical Low.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the Tropical Low is likely to intensify gradually during the next 24 hours.

The Tropical Low will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer the Tropical Low toward the southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the Tropical Low will move parallel to the coast of Western Australia.

The Tropical Low could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the coast of Western Australia between Kalumburu and Kuri Bay.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Low Prompts Watch for Western Australia

The risk posed by a Tropical Low over the Timor Sea caused the Australian Bureau of Meteorology to issue a Watch for a portion of the coast of Western Australia on Friday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of the Tropical Low was located at latitude 9.8°S and longitude 129.1°E which put the center about 215 miles (350 km) northwest of Darwin, Australia.  The Tropical Low was moving toward the south-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

A Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast of Western Australia from Cockatoo Island to the Berkeley River Mouth.  The Watch included Kalumburu and Kuri Bay.

The U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center was designating the Tropical Low as Invest 96P.

Vertical wind shear was causing the distribution of thunderstorms to be asymmetrical.  The Tropical Low as under the northern part of an upper level ridge that extended from Australia to the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level ridge was producing northeasterly winds that were causing the vertical wind shear.  Most of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of the Tropical Low.  Bands in the eastern side of the Tropical Low consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the Tropical Low.  The removal of mass in the upper levels was nearly equal to the inflow of mass in the lower levels of the atmosphere.  The balance of inflow and outflow was causing the surface pressure to remain constant.

The Tropical Low will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  The Tropical Low will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  The northern part of an upper level ridge over Australia and the South Indian Ocean will continue to produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of the Tropical Low.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the Tropical Low is likely to intensify gradually during the next 24 hours.

The Tropical Low will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer the Tropical Low toward the southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the low pressure system will move away from Darwin.  The low pressure system could pass near Cape Londonderry and Cape Bougainville on Saturday.

 

Tropical Cyclone Dianne Brings Wind and Rain to Western Australia

Tropical Cyclone Dianne brought wind and rain to Western Australia on Friday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Dianne was located at latitude 16.6°S and longitude 123.8°E which put the center about 75 miles (120 km) north-northeast of the Derby, Australia.  Dianne was moving toward the south at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 991 mb.

A Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast between Kuri Bay and Derby.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Dianne made landfall on the coast of Western Australia north-northeast of Derby.  Dianne was the equivalent of a tropical storm at the time of landfall.  The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Dianne was small.  Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of Dianne’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Dianne will move around the western end of a high pressure system over northern Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Dianne toward the south during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Dianne will move inland over Western Australia during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Dianne will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Western Australia.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for the Tanami Desert, the Western Desert and the Sandy Desert.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Courtney intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane southwest of the Cocos Islands.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Courtney was located at latitude 17.6°S and longitude 92.5°E which put the center about 445 miles (715 km) southwest of the Cocos Islands.  Courtney was moving toward the west-southwest at 18 m.p.h. (30 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 948 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Dianne Nears Western Australia

Tropical Cyclone Dianne neared the coast of Western Australia on Friday morning.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Dianne was located at latitude 15.3°S and longitude 123.6°E which put the center about 140 miles (225 km) north of the Derby, Australia.  Dianne was moving toward the south-southeast at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 991 mb.

A Warning is in effect for the area between Kuri Bay and Derby.

A Tropical Low strengthened to Tropical Cyclone Dianne near the coast of Western Australia during Thursday night.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Tropical Cyclone Dianne.  More thunderstorms also formed in bands revolving around the center of Dianne’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Dianne generated more upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of more mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Dianne was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Dianne’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Dianne will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next few hours.  Dianne will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge that extends from over Australia to the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of the Tropical Low.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Dianne could intensify during the next few hours.

Tropical Cyclone Dianne will move around the western end of a high pressure system over northern Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Dianne toward the southeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Dianne will make landfall on the coast of Western Australia northeast of Derby in a few hours.

Tropical Cyclone Dianne will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Western Australia.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for the Tanami Desert, the Western Desert and the Sandy Desert.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Courtney passed south of the Cocos Islands.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Courtney was located at latitude 16.9°S and longitude 94.9°E which put the center about 330 miles (530 km) south-southwest of the Cocos Islands.  Courtney was moving toward the west at 18 m.p.h. (30 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 972 mb.

Tropical Low Prompts Watch for Western Australia

A risk posed by a Tropical Low prompted the Australian Bureau of Meteorology to issue a Watch for a portion of the coast of Western Australia on Thursday.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of the Tropical Low was located at latitude 13.8°S and longitude 121.8°E which put the center about 215 miles (350 km) west-northwest of the Kuri Bay, Australia.  The Tropical Low was moving toward the east-northeast at 5 m.p.h. (7 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

A Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast of Western Australia from Mitchell Plateau to Beagle Bay.  The Watch includes Derby and Beagle Bay.

A low pressure system over the South Indian Ocean west of Australia exhibited more organization on Thursday morning and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology classified the system as a Tropical Low.  The U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center designated the low pressure system as Invest 93S.

The distribution of thunderstorms in the Tropical Low was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western side of the Tropical Low.  Bands in the eastern side of the Tropical Low consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the Tropical Low.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease slowly.

The Tropical Low will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  The Tropical Low will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge that extends from over Australia to the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of the Tropical Low.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The moderate vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  The Tropical Low could intensify during the next 24 hours.

The Tropical Low will move around the western end of a high pressure system over northern Australia.  The high pressure system will steer the Tropical Low toward the southeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the Tropical Low will make landfall on the coast of Western Australia between Kuri Bay and Derby in 36 hours.

The Tropical Low will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Western Australia.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Courtney continued to strengthen south-southeast of the Cocos Islands.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Courtney was located at latitude 16.8°S and longitude 99.5°E which put the center about 380 miles (610 km) south-southeast of the Cocos Islands.  Courtney was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 973 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Bianca Weakens Rapidly

Tropical Cyclone Bianca weakened rapidly over the South Indian Ocean west of Australia on Wednesday.  At 4:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Bianca was located at latitude 25.7°S and longitude 102.7°E which put the center about 730 miles (1175 km) west of Carnarvon, Australia.  Bianca was moving toward the south-southeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 999 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Bianca weakened rapidly over the South Indian Ocean west of Australia on Wednesday.  An upper level trough west of Australia produced strong northwesterly winds that blew across the top of Tropical Cyclone Bianca.  Those winds caused strong vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear blew the upper part of Bianca’s circulation to the southeast of the circulation in the lower levels.

The circulation of Tropical Cyclone Bianca consisted of bands of showers and lower clouds that were revolving around the low level center of circulation.  Strong vertical wind shear was blowing the tops off of clouds that rose higher into the atmosphere.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Bianca was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of Bianca’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Bianca will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Bianca will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 23°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough over the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level trough will continue to produce strong northwesterly winds that will blow across the top of Bianca’s circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear.  Cooler water and strong vertical wind shear will cause Tropical Cyclone Bianca to continue to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Since the circulation around Tropical Cyclone Bianca exists only in the lower levels of the atmosphere, Bianca will be steered by the weather features near the surface.  Bianca will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Bianca toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Bianca will move farther away from Western Australia.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia Brings Wind and Rain to Western Australia

Tropical Cyclone Zelia brought wind and rain to Western Australia on Friday.  At 7:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia was located at latitude 21.1°S and longitude 119.6°E which put the center about 10 miles (20 km) west-northwest of Marble Bar, Australia.  Zelia was moving toward the south-southeast at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 965 mb.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia made landfall on the coast of Western Australia about 45 miles (75 km) northeast of Port Hedland on Thursday night.  Zelia was the equivalent of a major hurricane at the time of landfall.  The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h).

At the time of landfall winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Zelia’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Zelia was 25.1 . The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 13.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 39.0.  Tropical Cyclone Zelia was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Harvey when Harvey hit Texas in 2017.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia brought strong winds and heavy rain to parts of Western Australia east of Port Hedland.  A weather station in Port Hedland reported a sustained wind speed of 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The weather station reported a wind gust of 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The weather station also reported 6.14 inches (156 mm) of rain.

A Flood Warning is in effect for the De Grey River.  A Flood Warning is in effect for the Pilbara coastal Rivers.

Flood Watches are in effect for the Onslow coast, the Fortescue River, the Ashburton River, the Gascoyne River, and parts of the Sandy Desert.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia will move around the northwestern side of a high pressure system over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Zelia toward the south during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia will pass between Nullagine and Munjina.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia will weaken steadily as it moves inland over Western Australia.  Zelia will continue to bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of Western Australia as it weakens.  Heavy rain could cause additional flooding in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of Major Hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Zelia rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane near the coast of Western Australia on Wednesday.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia was located at latitude 19.1°S and longitude 118.1°E which put the center about 80 miles (130 km) north-northwest of Port Hedland, Australia.  Zelia was nearly stationary.  The maximum sustained wind speed was 140 m.p.h. (225 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 165 m.p.h. (265 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 940 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Thursday.  A small circular eye with a diameter of 12 miles (19 km) formed at the center of Zelia’s circulation.  A ring of thunderstorms surrounded the center of Zelia and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Zelia.  Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Zelia was symmetrical.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Zelia’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Zelia was 28.3.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 14.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 42.4.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Zelia will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle part of an upper level ridge that extends from Australia to the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Zelia will continue to intensify during the next 24 hours.  Zelia could intensify rapidly at times.  Tropical Cyclone Zelis could strengthen to the equivalent of Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia will move around the northwestern side of a high pressure system over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Zelia slowly toward the southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone will move closer to the coast of Western Australia.  Zelia could approach the coast between Port Hedland and Dampier in 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of Western Australia.

A Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Bidyadanga to Dampier.  The Warning includes Port Hedland, Karratha, De Grey, and Wallal Downs.  The Warning extends inland to Marble Bar.

A Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Dampier to Mardie.  The Watch extends inland to Nullagine and Tom Price.

Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

A Flood Warning is in effect for the De Grey River.

Flood Watches are in effect for the Pilbara coastal Rivers, the Onslow coast, the Fortescue River, the Ashburton River, and parts of the Sandy Desert.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia Intensifies to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Zelia intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon near the coast of Western Australia early on Wednesday.  At 4:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia was located at latitude 19.1°S and longitude 118.6°E which put the center about 80 miles (130 km) north of Port Hedland, Australia.  Zelia was moving toward the south-southwest at 3 m.p.h. (5 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 978 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia exhibited signs of rapid intensification early on Wednesday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Zelia’s circulation.  A small eye appeared to be forming at the center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia.  A ring of thunderstorms surrounded the center of Zelia and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Zelia.  Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Zelia was symmetrical.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Zelia’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Zelia will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle part of an upper level ridge that extends from Australia to the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Zelia will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Zelia could intensify rapidly at times.  Tropical Cyclone Zelis could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia will move around the northwestern side of a high pressure system over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Zelia slowly toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone will move closer to the coast of Western Australia. Zelia could approach the coast between De Grey and Dampier in 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of Western Australia.

A Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Bidyadanga to Dampier.  The Warning includes Port Hedland, Karratha, De Grey, and Wallal Downs.  The Warning extends inland to Marble Bar.

A Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Dampier to Mardie.  The Warning extends inland to Nullagine.

Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

A Flood Warning is in effect for the De Grey River.

Flood Watches are in effect for the Pilbara coastal Rivers, the Onslow coast, the Fortescue River, the Ashburton River, and parts of the Sandy Desert.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Vince made a transition to an extratropical cyclone and Tropical Cyclone Taliah continued to move farther away from the Cocos Islands.

At 4:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Taliah was located at latitude 18.2°S and longitude 90.3°E which put the center about 565 miles (915 km) south-southwest of the Cocos Islands.  Taliah was moving toward the southwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 984 mb.