Western Australia is bracing for impact as a category 5 tropical cyclone rolls towards the region. Cyclone Isla has winds of up to 315 kilometers per hour, making this the strongest storm to hit the region in 14 years.
A category 5 cyclone is extremely dangerous and is the strongest category on the national scale. Not only can winds of that force damage roofs and knock down trees, but they can also lift heavy structures like boats and trailers in the air.
The cyclone has formed over the ocean West of Australia's coast and is expected to hit Port Hedland in Northern Australia late Thursday evening. Port Hedland is the largest iron ore exporting port and home to some 15,000 people who have been ordered to shelter in place.
"Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) task forces are forward based in Marble Bar, Nullagine, Port Hedland, Broome and Karratha and are ready to respond as soon as it is safe to do so," said the Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA on their Facebook in an update posted this afternoon.
Credit: Facebook / Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA
A red alert was issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA local time Thursday afternoon. Under a red alert, residents are advised to seek shelter in the safest and strongest part of a building. Emergency services also have to shelter in place until the danger passes during a red alert.
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"We can’t emphasise enough the severity of this approaching system and urge communities to continuously monitor alerts and warnings and follow the advice," the Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA posted on Facebook yesterday.
Evacuation centres have been placed around the populated areas and residents from remote communities at risk of being hit by the strong winds were bussed there.
