Cyclone Ilsa: Powerful storm hits Western Australia

Severe Tropical Cyclone Ilsa hit Western Australia as a category five storm with winds reaching 218km/h, breaking a wind speed record for Australia. The storm struck close to Port Hedland, the world’s largest iron ore export hub, causing some damage to the Pardoo roadhouse, which lay directly in its path. 

“Once we can get crews onto the ground and helicopters in the air… we will move along the coast just to check to see roads and other critical infrastructure”, Peter Sutton told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

However, no injuries have been reported, and critical infrastructure remains undamaged. The cyclone has been downgraded to category three, and a red alert is in place for some inland communities. Ships, including iron ore carriers, were moved from the Port Hedland harbour as the storm approached. The last category five cyclone to hit the region was Cyclone Laurence in 2009.