Western Australia’s Port Hedland reopened, the ports’ operator said on Saturday in an announcement. The Bureau of Meteorology, Australia in a post on X warned on February 14 that severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia is moving to the south over the inland eastern Pilbara. However, it clarified that Port Hedland is experiencing severe winds but has avoided the very destructive core of the cyclone.
Pilbara Ports said on its website on Saturday that it opened the Port of Port Hedland after being shut on Thursday evening as Zelia approached the Pilbara coast.
“Pilbara Ports has undertaken inspections of navigation aids, channels and berths and has confirmed safe operations can resume. Pilbara Ports is liaising with terminal and vessel operators and stakeholders to plan the resumption of shipping,” Pilbara Ports said in the alert.
Meanwhile, Pilbara Ports opened the ports of Dampier and Varanus Island. The ports’ operator confirmed late Friday that after thorough inspections of navigation aids, channels, and berths, the ports were deemed safe to operate.
To remind, Pilbara Ports is a large bulk export port authority, which encompasses the ports of Ashburton, Dampier, Port Hedland and Varanus Island, and the future ports of Anketell, Cape Preston East and Balla Balla.
Although the cyclone weakened to a tropical low in the early hours of Saturday morning, it still prompted emergency warnings.
The nation’s weather forecaster warned on February 15 for heavy rains, gusty winds, and flooding.
