Mackay, Whitsundays warned about ‘dangerous’ storm tide during cyclone

Residents in low-lying areas near the shoreline are warned to take measures to protect their property as much as possible and be prepared to follow instructions regarding evacuation. FREE STORY

Tropical Cyclone Kirrily is expected to make landfall sometime overnight on Thursday between Cardwell and Airlie Beach. Picture: BOM

Mackay and Whitsunday communities are being warned about dangerous storm tide conditions as Tropical Cyclone Kirrily crosses the coast, now expected on Thursday.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned residents in low-lying areas near the shoreline to take measures to protect their property as much as possible and be prepared to follow instructions regarding evacuation.

Mayor Greg Williamson on Monday warned residents to be prepared, but not panic, as local disaster management centres were activated here and in the Whitsundays.

There are 14 sand stockpiles across the region for those who need sandbags, but residents are reminded to bring their own sandbags and shovel.

Coastal residents between Townsville and Mackay are specifically warned of the dangerous storm tide as the cyclone crosses the coast. Picture: Windy.com

The latest BOM forecast track map has the weather system crossing just above Ayr with areas from Cardwell to Bowen potentially being hit with destructive wind gust up to 150km/h on Thursday.

While gales and damaging wind gusts up to 120km/h could develop about the Whitsunday Islands from Wednesday evening and extend between Townsville and St Lawrence overnight or into Thursday morning.

The latest BOM forecast track map has the weather system crossing just above Ayr. Picture: BOM

TC Kirrily is expected to cross sometime overnight on Thursday between Cardwell and Airlie Beach.

BOM has indicated the chance of a severe tropical cyclone on landfall remains but has decreased.

Heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding may develop at coastal areas between Townsville and St Lawrence late Wednesday, following by intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life threatening flash flooding is possible close to the system on Thursday.

How the weather system is tipped to look Thursday morning. Picture: Windy.com

On Friday the system is expected to become and inland rain depression with heavy rainfall possible across central and southern inland areas.

“Coastal residents between Townsville and Mackay are specifically warned of the dangerous storm tide as the cyclone crosses the coast,” BOM warned.

“The sea is likely to rise steadily up to a level well above the normal tide, with damaging waves and flooding of some low-lying areas close to the shoreline.”

Mackay sand stockpiles can be found here.