Extreme Conditions as Cyclone Veronica Makes Landfall in Western Australia

Cyclone Veronica made landfall on Western Australian’s Pilbara coast on Sunday, March 24, bringing destructive winds, intense rainfall and large storm surges. A forecaster told Nine News the storm was a slow-moving system expected to bring 12 hours or more of destructive winds and heavy rainfall, and with it, a high risk of flooding. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warned locals Veronica would continue to thrash the impact zone throughout Sunday night and into Monday, which they said was “an unusually long time.” The BOM reported tide levels 1.5 metres above normal levels at Port Hedland, which was hit with the most severe effects of the approaching storm. Flood warnings were also issued for coastal rivers, with rainfall expected to exceed 300 mm (11.8 in). Western Australia’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued a code red alert for Pardoo to Mardie along the Pilbara coast. Residents were urged to take shelter immediately. Credit: the_adventure_girl132 via Storyful