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Cyclone Ilsa struck a remote section of the Western Australian coast around midnight local time on Thursday, unleashing wind speeds that surpassed previous records established over a decade ago in the same region.
After developing offshore for several days, Cyclone Ilsa made landfall between De Grey and Pardoo Roadhouse as a category 5 storm, as reported by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, which is comparable to a category 4 hurricane in the Atlantic.
The cyclone has since diminished in strength and is now moving southeast across the state, bringing heavy rainfall and sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour (74 miles per hour).
Prior to making landfall, Ilsa raced over Bedout Island, a small uninhabited isle, where its sustained wind speeds peaked at 218 kph (135 mph) over a 10-minute interval.
“Cyclone George held the previous record with 194 kph back in 2007 at the same location!” the BOM tweeted. During the night, wind gusts on the island, known as a breeding ground for seabirds, reached as high as 288 kph (179 mph).
The extent of the damage caused by the cyclone in Western Australia remains uncertain, although the winds were capable of inflicting considerable harm to trees, buildings, power lines, and other infrastructure. Flood warnings have been issued across a vast area of Western Australia, raising concerns that water could obstruct access to remote roads.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA
Officials are preparing to assess the damage from the air once it is safe to conduct helicopter flights over the affected region.
On Friday, Superintendent Peter Sutton from the Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services indicated that the cyclone seems to have bypassed major population centers, including Port Hedland, which has a population of approximately 16,000, primarily consisting of mine workers.
“There will undoubtedly be damage along the coastal areas where the cyclone made landfall, but the populated regions largely avoided the worst effects of the storm’s eye as it crossed the coast,” Sutton stated.
Port Hedland Mayor Peter Carter informed the Australian Broadcasting Corporation…Port Hedland stands as the largest bulk export port globally, facilitating the loading and shipment of substantial quantities of iron ore to nations such as China, Japan, and South Korea. The Pilbara Ports Authority announced the port’s reopening on Friday following safety inspections to assess any potential damage to its infrastructure.
Bidyadanga, the most populous Aboriginal community in the state with approximately 850 residents, reportedly experienced minimal impact, based on initial assessments.
On Friday morning, reports indicated significant damage at Pardoo Roadhouse, a favored stop for travelers along the coastal highway. Will Batth, one of the owners, recounted to the ABC his experience of “four hours of hell,” during which he sought refuge in a shipping container as Cyclone Ilsa ripped off the roof.
Emergency services personnel are currently evaluating the damage caused by Cyclone Ilsa, as stated by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA.
Authorities had cautioned residents to secure any items that could become airborne in high winds, including caravans, trampolines, trailers, and other loose objects.
Miriam Bradbury, a senior meteorologist with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), emphasized the dangers posed by such strong winds, which can uproot trees, down power lines, and damage roofs and homes, as well as lift large unsecured items like boats and trailers into the air.
As the storm approached on Thursday, coastal regions were placed under a red alert, advising residents to remain indoors and seek shelter away from windows and doors.
Evacuation centers were established for individuals from remote communities at risk of being severely affected by the winds and becoming isolated due to debris and flooding. Cyclone Ilsa is anticipated to bring heavy rainfall to the area, with forecasts suggesting totals of 200 to 300 millimeters, prompting widespread flood watches across the state.Bradbury stated on Thursday that river flooding could greatly affect roads and access routes, leading to many pathways becoming muddy or potentially impassable in the coming days.
Cyclone Monica, which struck Australia in 2006, holds the record as the most powerful storm to impact the country, featuring sustained winds of approximately 290 kph (180 mph) as it traversed the eastern and northern regions.
Although this cyclone bypassed densely populated areas, it resulted in fallen trees and significant destruction to vegetation, accompanied by a storm surge reaching heights of up to six meters.
