Bureau of Meteorology warns of ‘high chance’ of cyclone forming in Coral Sea

After a week of scorching heatwave conditions, the Bureau of Meteorology warn there is a “high chance” of a cyclone forming tomorrow which may intensify into a category two cyclone later in the week.

AFTER a week of scorching heatwave conditions, the Bureau of Meteorology warn there is a “high chance” of a cyclone forming tomorrow which may intensify into a category two cyclone later in the week.

There is a high chance of a tropical cyclone forming in the northwest Coral Sea on Monday, the current watch zones are the Torres Strait Islands to Cape Flattery.

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Gales with gusts in excess of 90km/h may develop between the Torres Strait Islands and Cape Flattery on Tuesday.

The Bureau of Meteorology says there is a high chance of tropical cyclone formation in the northwest Coral Sea on Monday.

Destructive winds, with gusts of about 125km/h may occur about a small stretch of the far north Queensland coast if the system progresses into a category 2 intensity prior to moving onto the far north coast late on Tuesday or Wednesday.

As of this morning, a tropical low sustained winds of nearly 45km per hour near the centre, and wind gusts of up to 85km per hour.

The tropical low is estimated to be 465 km east northeast of the Lockhart River, and about 730km north of Cairns, it is currently slow moving.

“The tropical low is expected to continue tracking in a general westwards direction towards the far north Queensland coast over the next couple of days,” BoM warn,

“At this stage, the system is rated a high chance of forming into a tropical cyclone on Monday and is forecast to reach category 2 intensity prior to moving onto the far north Queensland coast late on Tuesday or during Wednesday.”

The bureau also warn of abnormally high tides as the cyclone crosses the coast late on Tuesday or during Wednesday on the far north Queensland coast – large waves are likely.

The cyclone would also bring heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding over the next few days.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

People between the Torres Strait Islands and Cape Flattery should consider what action they will need to take if the cyclone threat increases.

- Information is available from your local government

- For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit Queensland’s Disaster Management Services website (www.disaster.qld.gov.au)

- For emergency assistance call the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 (for assistance with storm damage, rising flood water, fallen trees on buildings or roof damage).