Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle speeding towards Norfolk Island, warnings issued

An island off the coast of Australia has been put on “red alert” as tropical cyclone Gabrielle fast approaches.

Residents of Norfolk Island have been urged to take shelter after authorities issued a red alert ahead as cyclone Gabrielle storms towards the Australian outpost.

The cyclone was reclassified as a category two storm as it made its approach to the tourist island on Saturday morning.

Those who cannot bunker down have been encouraged to relocate, if safe to do so, at an emergency shelter at Rawson Hall and stay inside until an all clear signal is sent via the SMS blast system.

The eye of the cyclone is expected to pass through the island at around 9pm, the Bureau of Meteorology said, bringing with it wind gusts of up to 155km/h and heavy waves.

Latest track map of #TC-Gabrielle heading to #NorfolkIsland. The eye of TC will pass through/close by the island around 9 pm this evening. GALE winds are to increase to DESTRUCTIVE WINDS this afternoon/evening. VERY HEAVY SURF, ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES and HEAVY RAIN also likely. pic.twitter.com/xMiz2LncmO

— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) February 11, 2023

Emergency Management Norfolk Island warned residents to not be deceived by any easing of conditions as the eye passes over the territory.

“If the cyclone centre passes over the island this evening, destructive winds may ease for short period of time, beware of this and do not go outside. Destructive winds are then likely to redevelop from the opposite direction,” it said in a Facebook update.

Severe Tropical #CycloneGabrielle is currently a category 3 system, moving towards Norfolk Island.

⚠️A Tropical Cyclone Warning is current for Norfolk Is.

Increased winds and waves expected for #Qld and #NSW coasts into this weekend.

Latest warnings: https://t.co/wdUcA3jLa8pic.twitter.com/rM2636OCYm

— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) February 10, 2023

The cyclone is triggering large waves, with conditions ideal for experienced surfers on Saturday. Picture: Sky Weather

Norfolk Island administrator Eric Hutchinson told the ABC the outpost had experienced a “wild night” that left some residents without power.

“We are well-prepared and we have just got to see this through, and then we will look at what resources are going to be needed in a recovery phase from tomorrow,” he said.

Mr Hutchinson said he is expecting Gabrielle to damage some homes and cause further power outages as it rips its way through the island.

“The last time a cyclone hit Norfolk Island of this strength was in the mid-1990s and there was damage at that time,” he said.

“So it is not the first time that the Island has experienced this and I‘d doubt very much it will be the last as I’d say we are well prepared and well supported by national resources if needed.”

Meanwhile, those willing to take up the challenge along Queensland coast could have an opportunity to test their skills with fairly large waves expected.

Sky Weather meteorologist Rob Sharpe said the conditions, although dangerous through the storm, would provide a good opportunity for keen surfers.

“Those waves will be fairly large and the winds on Saturday morning will be favourable for surfing,” Mr Sharpe said.

“That’s probably the best opportunity for experienced surfers to enjoy some bigger waves.”

Anyone in the cyclone’s path can seek further information from Emergency Management Norfolk Island on +6723 999 or the Norfolk Island Police Force on [phone].