Summary
Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia initially developed over the northern Coral Sea approximately 750 kilometres northeast of Cairns on 14th January. Zelia began to move in a southeasterly direction under the influence of a mid-level ridge situated across the western Coral Sea. Zelia rapidly intensified to a category 3 system on 15 January and then further to a category 4 the following day while accelerating to the west of New Caledonia.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia began weakening on 17 January due to a combination of cooler sea surface temperatures and increased wind shear. Zelia passed just east of Norfolk Island as it transitioned into a mid-latitude low whilst still causing gale-force winds on 18 January. Heavy rain and strong winds subsequently affected New Zealand.
For more information see the TC Zelia Report (doc).
Track and Intensity(Time in UTC (AEST-10h))
