It has since been downgraded to category three, but the risk mains high
A powerful storm has made landfall on the northern coast of Western Australia.
Tropical Cyclone Ilsa crossed the coast near Port Hedland just before midnight local time as a category five storm.
It has since been downgraded to category three, but the risk mains high.
Hours before it made a land, a red alert was issued, with thousands of people ordered to take immediate shelter.
It’s Australia’s most serious cyclone alert level.
Meteorologist Matthew Cappucci joined Ticker News earlier and says many residents haven’t seen a storm this strong in their lifetime – “the worst storm to hit the area in 14 years”.
People are being urged to stay away from doors and windows until they are given the all clear by authorities.
Ilsa is expected to stay as a tropical cyclone during Friday before weakening overnight into the weekend.
