Winton had its drenching, now the weather bureau is on cyclone watch

WITH heavy rain and flooding pounding parts of the state, the weather bureau says the chance of a cyclone developing in both the Gulf of Carpentaria is increasing by the day – and they’re keeping a close eye on the Coral Sea, too.

Cyclone Debbie crosses the Queensland coast in March, 2017.

• Cyclone could form in Gulf

WINTON has become an inland island after days of heavy rain as conditions for cyclone activity increase.

More than 200mm of rain fell on Winton and surrounding areas over the past three days – four times the March monthly rainfall average.

An aerial photo of Winton flooding. Picture: Winton Shire Council

A strengthening monsoonal trough in the Gulf will cause further heavy rain and showers in the tropics and increase the likelihood of a cyclone.

The weather bureau will be monitoring the possibility of a cyclone in the Coral Sea next week.

The bureau’s Tropical Cyclone Outlook for the Coral Sea states “the tropics are expected to become more active over the weekend and next week”.

“Although there are no specific cyclone threats identifiable in the Coral Sea at this lead time, conditions will continue to be closely monitored.”

Meteorologist Julian de Morton says the Gulf is more likely to see a cyclone this week, although although the bureau will continue to monitor the Coral Sea for activity as well.

The bureau’s Julian de Morton said there was more of a chance of a cyclone in the Gulf than in the Coral Sea this weekend.

“We’ve got a monsoon trough that should develop and strengthen throughout the next week or so and as a result, it certainly increases the potential for a cyclone,” he said.

“In the next week, it’s looking more likely we’ll see something develop in the Gulf than in the Coral Sea. It’s looking as though ... a possible development towards the weekend.”

The west’s week of wet weather is also easing with rainfall totalling about 30mm in some places.

The southeast also experienced light showers yesterday with the heaviest falls recorded around the Sunshine Coast.

A south-easterly wind up to 30 knots has prompted a strong wind warning for the entire east coast of Queensland.

Coastal areas from Cairns down to the Gold Coast have been warned of strong winds today and partly cloudy conditions.

Brisbane is forecast to reach a top of 27C with a possible shower during the day.

Originally published as Winton had its drenching, now the weather bureau is on cyclone watch