Published on Thursday, 13 February 2025 at 10:02:41 AM
Please refer to Emergency WA - Alerts and Warnings for the most up to date alerts and warnings.
Notice of Closure: Marble Bar Shire Office
Due to the inclement weather forecast associated with the approaching Cyclone Zelia, the Marble Bar Shire Office will be closed until further notice.
For all enquiries, please contact the Newman Administration Office:
Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday
Phone: (08) 9175 8000
Tropical Cyclone Zelia is expected to cross the coast approximately in the area between Port Hedland and Karratha as a Category 5 system on Friday 14 February and then track south. It is expected to reduce in intensity as it moves inland but will still bring with it the potential for strong winds, heavy rainfall and flooding which means some roads will be closed.
As a result the Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a CYCLONE WATCH AND ACT warning for areas including Marble Bar as well as a FLOOD WATCH AND ACT warning for areas including Marble Bar and Nullagine.
During a CYCLONE WATCH AND ACT here’s what you need to do:
- Put your cyclone plan into action.
- If you live in a caravan, older home or a home that has not been maintained, you should go to your nearest evacuation centre or safer place.
- Make final preparations to your property, including securing loose items like trampolines and outdoor furniture.
- Finalise your emergency kit. It should have enough canned food and water to last for five to seven days, a first aid kit, medication, cash and a battery-operated radio and spare batteries to listen to warnings.
- Move vehicles under cover.
- Fasten cyclone shutters, board up exposed windows.
- Ensure pets and animals are in a safe area.
- Be aware that shops may now be closing.
- Charge devices such as mobile phones in case of power outages.
- Severe weather including strong winds and heavy rainfall may be experienced prior to the cyclone making landfall. Exercise caution while outside and be prepared to stay indoors if conditions worsen.
During a FLOOD WATCH AND ACT here’s what you need to do:
- Never drive, walk, swim or play in floodwaters, as they are dangerous.
- Secure loose objects and outdoor equipment where possible.
- Finalise your emergency kit. It should have enough canned food and water to last for five to seven days, a first aid kit, medication, cash and a battery-operated radio and spare batteries to listen to warnings.
- Move cars, equipment, livestock and pets early so they are not caught in floodwaters.
- Fill your vehicle's fuel tank.
- Watch for changes in water levels so you are ready if you need to evacuate.
- Do not park or camp adjacent to rivers.
If driving:
- Floodways and river levels may rise rapidly, damaging roads and bridges and making driving dangerous. Do not drive into floodwaters.
- Be careful at crossings and floodways as river levels may rise rapidly.
- Obey road closure signs and do not drive into water of unknown depth and current.
- Take care on gravel and unsealed roads as they may be slippery and muddy, and you could get bogged.
- Carry extra food and water when travelling in case of long delays at crossings.
It is important to familiarise yourself with the Alert Warning System and what steps you need to take at each alert level.
- ADVICE – an incident Is active. Be aware and keep up to date.
- WATCH AND ACT - there is a possible threat. Take action now to stay safe.
- EMERGENCY WARNING – there is a threat to lives and homes, take immediate action.
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