Cyclone ‘Not Freddy’ expected to reach category three, BOM predicts no coast crossing

It’s currently making a direct line for Townsville, but the developing cyclone sitting off QLD’s coast is expected to be a fizzer. See why.

If you want to be proved wrong, try to predict a cyclone.

That piece of North Queensland wisdom might ring true, but when a tropical low is bearing down we all end up on the BOM website anyway.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s latest modelling predicts the tropical low currently sitting in the Coral Sea will beeline for Townsville over the next three days before forming into a category one system.

After its formation, the cyclone will take a sharp southeastern turn and put Norfolk Island in its sights.

A lot has changed for the tropical low in the last 24 hours.

The 7am tracking map for the QLD tropical low. Tracking maps update every few hours on the BOM website.

It lost a name, going from ‘possibly Cyclone Freddie’ to ‘possible Cyclone Gabrielle’, and it’s expected development was pushed back from Wednesday to Thursday.

As of 7am Tuesday, the Bureau was predicting the system to form around 4am on Thursday, rapidly building into a category three cyclone by 4am Friday.

Current weather as of 7am Tuesday (Feb 7)

Predicted weather at 7pm Tuesday (Feb 7)

Cyclone Not-Freddie is expected to deliver minimal impact to the Queensland coast, remaining well offshore.

The cyclone tracking maps are updated every few hours on the Bureau website.

With Cyclone Not-Freddie steering clear, Townsville is expected to remain overcast until Thursday before hitting a sunny patch.

The thunderstorm activity which plagued Townsville’s weekend will travel north.

Ingham and Cardwell have a full seven days of showers in their forecasts, while Innisfail and Cairns are due to be hit by storms on Friday.

Originally published as Cyclone ‘Not Freddy’ expected to reach category three, BOM predicts no coast crossing