Western Australia cyclone update: Zelia’s impact and recent landfalls

Introduction: Why western australia cyclone activity matters

Tropical cyclones are a recurring hazard for Western Australia, affecting communities, infrastructure and industry across the Pilbara and Kimberley regions. Recent events, including Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia and the landfall of Tropical Cyclone Luana, underscore the importance of preparedness and timely warnings for residents and remote communities. This update summarises verified details about recent systems and places them in the context of Western Australia’s cyclone record.

Main developments

Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia (mid-February 2025)

Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia was a powerful system that impacted Western Australia’s Pilbara region in mid-February 2025. According to official reports and compiled records, Zelia was the fifteenth tropical low, the fifth tropical cyclone, the fourth severe tropical cyclone and the first Category 5 tropical cyclone of the 2024–25 Australian region cyclone season. The system originated as a tropical low near the Kimberley region and later turned to the southeast. A slight increase in wind shear led to weakening, and the Bureau of Meteorology downgraded Zelia to a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone the following day. Due to the high amount of damage caused, the name Zelia has been retired and will not be used again for another tropical cyclone.

Historical context: Cyclone Inigo

In the historical record of Western Australia tropical cyclones, Cyclone Inigo stands out as one of the most intense cyclones recorded off the coast of the state. Notably, Inigo had weakened significantly to a Category 1 cyclone by the time of landfall. This example illustrates that peak intensity offshore does not always translate directly to an equally intense landfall.

Tropical Cyclone Luana (January 2026)

More recently, Tropical Cyclone Luana made landfall in Western Australia. Media coverage from 24 January 2026 reports that Luana affected the remote north-west, with residents in those areas battening down as the system arrived. Coverage emphasised local preparations and the communication of warnings to affected communities.

Conclusion: What this means for readers

Western Australia continues to experience significant cyclone activity, from historical storms such as Inigo to recent systems like Zelia and Luana. For residents and industries in the Pilbara, Kimberley and remote north-west regions, the verified record highlights the need to follow Bureau of Meteorology advice, maintain preparedness plans and monitor official warnings. The retirement of the name Zelia reflects the considerable impact of that event and serves as a reminder of the potential severity of future western australia cyclone events.