Cyclone Zelia hit north-west Australia on Valentine's Day as a category 4 storm, leading to damaging winds of 130 mph and 440 mm of rainfall in two days. As it weakened into a tropical low, flooding became severe in areas like Pilbara and Marble Bar, while Port Hedland saw minimal damage. The cyclone intensified swiftly due to record-warm Indian Ocean temperatures. Meanwhile, WinterStorm Jett affected the north-east US with significant snowfall and high winds, raising concerns about power outages and travel disruptions during a period of extreme cold across North America.
Cyclone Zelia made landfall as a severe category 4 cyclone in Australia on Valentine's Day, causing widespread flooding and impacting southern Indonesia with heavy rainfall.
Despite minimal damage to Port Hedland, nearby areas like Pilbara and Marble Bar faced significant flooding and fallen trees as cyclone Zelia weakened.
The cyclone's rapid intensification was attributed to record-warm Indian Ocean temperatures, which are 1-2C above the seasonal average, supplying increased energy for the storm.
In contrast, WinterStorm Jett struck the north-east US, causing severe weather with strong winds, snow, and freezing rain, and triggering blizzard conditions in higher elevations.
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