Insurers do not expect large numbers of claims after Tropical Cyclone Zelia crossed the north WA coast at category 4 on Friday, before weakening to a tropical low.

It struck at the De Grey River mouth, east of Port Hedland.

Flood threats persist for regional communities, where some evacuations took place, but Port Hedland, Broome, Karratha and other population centres escaped the worst of the severe weather system. Pastoral stations were most affected.

RAC in WA told insuranceNEWS.com.au today it has received just three claims, for vehicles.

Broome Insurance Brokers director David Keys says the property insurance fallout will be “virtually nothing”.

“It was a lucky escape and we all had a huge breath of relief and a quiet drink on Friday night to celebrate,” he said.

“As far as property damage, we’re virtually unscathed. You prepare for the worst and hope for the best and it certainly turned out that way.”

Some major roads have flooded, including the highway between Port Hedland and Broome, and Mr Keys says supermarket shelves are empty and supplies are cause for concern. He has received enquiries about business interruption coverage amid delays receiving stock.

“People are asking, ‘Is that covered by insurance?’ So we’re not completely unscathed, but we certainly dodged a massive bullet and there are just some smaller issues to contend with.”

The Bureau of Meteorology has a major flood warning in place for the De Grey River catchment and a flood warning for the Sandy Desert.