Gulf communities told to be prepared for cyclone

By MATT NICHOLLS

WESTERN Cape and Gulf residents are being urged to stay off the roads and brace for heavy rain and winds as a cyclone threatens to form.

According to the latest report from Cairns District Disaster Management, a tropical low in the Gulf of Carpentaria has a moderate (20 to 50 per cent) chance of developing into a tropical cyclone today (Tuesday).

“Regardless of development, gales will be possible for parts of the Gulf coast over the next couple of days. Gales are not expected to impact areas north of Weipa and the Torres Strait,” said DDMG executive officer, Senior Sergeant Owen Kennedy on Monday.

“A Tropical Cyclone Watch is current just over the border in

NT, and is likely to be extended to the southern Gulf coast and possibly the western Cape south of Aurukun today.

“Expect monsoonal rain and thunderstorms with moderate to heavy rainfall in the Far North over the next few days. This activity may spread south across northern Queensland through the second half of the week, including to areas around the Daintree, Cairns and Yarrabah.

“Abnormally high tides are likely to approach or slightly exceed the Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) level along the western Peninsula for the next few days, and possibly about the Gulf Coast and Torres Strait by midweek.

“Minor inundation of lowlying coastal areas is possible.”

The next tropical cyclone to be named in the Australian region is Herman.