Tropical Cyclone Rae Moves Away From Fiji

Tropical Cyclone Rae moved away from Fiji on Monday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Rae was located at latitude 22.1°S and longitude 178.2°W which put the center about 235 miles (385 km) west-southwest of Nuku Alofa, Tonga.  Rae was moving toward the south-southeast at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 961 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Rae moved south of Fiji on Monday.  There were reports of wind damage and floods from some of the islands in eastern Fiji.  Rae was passing west of Tonga on Monday.

Tropical Cyclone Rae intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon as it moved across eastern Fiji.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Rae’s circulation.  A circular eye formed at the center of Tropical Cyclone Rae.  There was a ring of thunderstorms around the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Rae’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Rae generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The size of the circulation around Tropical Cyclone Rae increased a little on Monday.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Rae’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 145 miles (235 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Rae.

Tropical Cyclone Rae will move through an environment that will become unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Rae will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough that is southeast of New Caledonia.  The upper level trough will produce northwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Rae’s circulation.  Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase.  The combination of cooler water and more vertical wind shear will cause Tropical Cyclone Rae to weaken during the next 24 hours.

The upper level trough southeast of New Caledonia will steer Tropical Cyclone Rae toward the southeast during the next 24h hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Rae will pass well to the south of Tonga.

Elsewhere, Tropical Cyclone 21P formed between Vanuatu and Fiji.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone 21P was located at latitude 16.6°S and longitude 170.7°W which put the center about 180 miles (290 km) east-northeast of Port Vila, Vanuatu.  Tropical Cyclone 21P was moving toward the southeast at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 983 mb.

 

Tropical Cyclone Bianca Strengthens to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Bianca strengthened to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the South Indian Ocean on Sunday night.  At 4:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Bianca was located at latitude 19.3°S and longitude 103.3°E which put the center about 645 miles (1040 km) southeast of the Cocos Islands.  Bianca was moving toward the southwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 985 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Bianca rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the South Indian Ocean southeast of the Cocos Islands during Sunday night.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Bianca’s circulation.  A circular eye formed at the center of Tropical Cyclone Bianca.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms revolved around the center of Bianca’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Bianca 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 Bianca was small.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 20 miles (3o km) from the center of Bianca’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 75 miles (120 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Bianca.

Tropical Cyclone Bianca will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Bianca will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Bianca is likely to continue to intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Bianca will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Bianca toward the southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Bianca will remain far to the southeast of the Cocos Islands.

Tropical Cyclone Rae Brings Wind and Rain to Eastern Fiji

Tropical Cyclone Rae brought wind and rain to eastern Fiji on Sunday night.  At 7:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Rae was located at latitude 18.2°S and longitude 179.4°W which put the center about 55 miles (90 km) east-northeast of Moala, Fiji.  Rae was moving toward the south-southwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 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 988 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Rae brought strong winds and heavy rain to parts of eastern Fiji on Sunday night.  Rae passed over the Lau Group of islands.  The center of Tropical Cyclone Rae passed near Naitaba, Vanna Balavu, Mago, and Cicia.

Tropical Cyclone Rae intensified as it passed over eastern Fiji.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Rae’s circulation.  An eye formed at the center of Tropical Cyclone Rae.  A ring thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Rae.  Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Rae became more circular on Sunday.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) from the center of Rae’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Rae will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Rae will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge near Fiji. The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Rae is likely to intensify to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Rae will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the South Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Rae toward the south during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Rae will move over the southern islands of in the Lau Group.

Tropical Cyclone Rae will bring continue to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the Lau Group of islands.  The center of center of Rae’s circulation will pass near Moala, Totoya, and Mataku.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Rae Forms Northeast of Fiji

Tropical Cyclone Rae formed northeast of Fiji on Sunday.  At 4:00 a.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Rae was located at latitude 15.8°S and longitude 178.9°W which put the center about 200 miles (325 km) northeast of Suva, Fiji.  Rae was moving toward the south-southwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 989 mb.

A low pressure system over the South Pacific Ocean strengthened on Sunday and the Fiji Meteorological Service designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Rae.  The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Rae was organizing rapidly on Sunday.  More thunderstorms developed near the center of Tropical Cyclone Rae.  More thunderstorms also formed in the bands revolving around the center of Rae’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Rae 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 Rae became more symmetrical on Sunday.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 180 miles (290 km) from the center of Rae’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Rae will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Rae. will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge near Fiji. The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Rae will intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Rae will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the South Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Rae toward the south during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Rae will move over the islands of eastern Fiji.  The center of Rae’s circulation will pass east of Vanua Levu.

Tropical Cyclone Rae will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the Lau Group of islands.  The center of center of Rae’s circulation could pass near Vanna Balavu.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred Forms over the Coral Sea

Tropical Cyclone Alfred formed over the Coral Sea on Sunday.  At 4:00 a.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Alfred was located at latitude 14.3°S and longitude 153.7°E which put the center about 560 miles (900 km) east-northeast of Cairns, Australia.  Alfred was moving toward the east at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 990 mb.

A low pressure system over the Coral Sea strengthened on Sunday and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Alfred.  The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Alfred exhibited more organization on Sunday.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Alfred’s circulation.  More thunderstorms also developed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.  Storms near the center of Alfred 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 Alfred was fairly large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 180 miles (290 km) from the center of Alfred’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Alfred will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the Coral Sea.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Alfred will intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is near the Equator.  The high pressure system will steer Alfred toward the east during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Alfred will move farther away from Australia.  Alfred is like to start to move toward the south early next week.

Elsewhere, Tropical Cyclone Bianca formed over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Australia.  At 4:00 a.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Bianca was located at latitude 17.0°S and longitude 106.9°E which put the center about 590 miles (950 km) northwest of Exmouth, Australia.  Bianca was moving toward the west-southwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 998 mb.

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 Approaches Coast of Western Australia

Tropical Cyclone Zelia was approaching the coast of Western Australia near Port Hedland on Thursday night.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia was located at latitude 19.8°S and longitude 118.7°E which put the center about 55 miles (90 km) north of Port Hedland, Australia.  Zelia was moving toward the south-southeast at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 938 mb.

Concentric eyewalls developed at the center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia on Thursday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the original eye and eyewall.  The inner eyewall had a diameter of 15 miles (24 km). The outer eyewall had a diameter of 38 miles (61 km).  The development of concentric eyewalls halted the intensification of Tropical Cyclone Zelia.

Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the concentric eyewalls at the center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia.  Storms near the center of Zelia generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass in the upper levels was nearly the same as the inflow of mass in the lower levels of the atmosphere.  So, the surface pressure remained fairly constant.

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 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 will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few 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.  Even though Tropical Cyclone Zelia will move through a favorable environment, the concentric eyewalls are likely to prevent any significant intensification.

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 south during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia will make landfall on the coast of Western Australia near Port Hedland in a few hours.

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

A Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Wallal Downs to Roebourne.   The Warning includes Port Hedland and De Grey.  The Warning extends inland to Marble Bar, Millstream, Nullagine, Tom Price, and Paraburdoo.

Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

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 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.

Tropical Low Strengthens to Tropical Cyclone Zelia

A former Tropical Low near the coast of Western Australia strengthened to Tropical Cyclone Zelia on Tuesday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia was located at latitude 18.7°S and longitude 118.9°E which put the center about 110 miles (175 km) north of Port Hedland, Australia.  Zelia was moving toward the south-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 991 mb.

A former Tropical Low near the coast of Western Australia strengthened on Tuesday and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Zelia.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Zelia’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Zelia.  Storms near the center of Zelia 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 became more symmetrical on Tuesday.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 145 miles (230 km) from the center of Zelia’s circulation.

A weather station on Rowley Shoals measured a sustained wind speed of 47 kt (54 m.p.h. or 87 km/h) and a wind gust of 64 kt (74 m.p.h. or 119 km/h).

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 is likely to strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia will move around the western side of a high pressure system over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Zelia slowly toward the south 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 Wallal Downs and Port Hedland in 48 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 Broome to Port Hedland.  The Warning includes Wallal Downs and De Grey.

A Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Port Hedland to Dampier.  The Watch extends inland to Marble Bar.

Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for the De Grey River, the Pilbara coastal Rivers, the Fortescue River and parts of the Sandy Desert.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Vince continued to move farther away from Rodrigues and Tropical Cyclone Taliah continued to move farther away from the Cocos Islands.

At 4:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Vince was located at latitude 29.5°S and longitude 70.3°E which put the center about 805 miles (1295 km) south-southeast of Port Mathurin, Rodrigues.  Vince was moving toward the south-southeast at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h). vThe minimum surface pressure was 971 mb.

At 4:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Taliah was located at latitude 16.4°S and longitude 91.5°E which put the center about 435 miles (705 km) southwest of the Cocos Islands.  Taliah was moving toward the south-southwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 982 mb.