Key Takeaways
- A potential tropical cyclone is expected to hit Queensland’s northeast coast this weekend, bringing heavy rain and damaging winds
- The tropical low is currently located 405 km northeast of Cairns and is expected to intensify into a category 1 tropical cyclone on Saturday
- Heavy rain and gale force winds are expected to develop over parts of northeast Queensland on Saturday, with the heaviest rain and strongest winds located near and south of the system’s centre
- Falls of 50 to 150 mm are likely over a broad area extending from Cooktown to Bundaberg between Friday and Sunday
- A Flood Watch has been issued for rivers between Cooktown and Rockhampton, and for the Cape York Peninsula, with minor to major riverine flooding possible in these areas
Introduction to the Tropical Cyclone
A tropical low currently deepening over the Coral Sea is expected to intensify further as it approaches the Queensland coast this weekend. At 10am AEST on Friday, the low was located roughly 405 km to the northeast of Cairns. While the low was barely moving on Friday morning, it is expected to start tracking towards the south southwest on Friday afternoon and night, bringing it closer to Queensland’s North Tropical Coast. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts the low to become a category 1 tropical cyclone on Saturday, before reaching the coast somewhere between Cairns and Ayr late Saturday or early Sunday. If it does become a tropical cyclone, it will be named Koji.
Weather Forecast and Expected Impacts
This system will cause heavy rain and gale force winds to develop over parts of northeast Queensland on Saturday, with both rain and wind increasing as the system gets closer to the coast. The heaviest rain and strongest winds will be located near and south of the system’s centre. The expected rainfall amounts will depend on the intensity and location of the low or tropical cyclone as it approaches the coast. Falls of 50 to 150 mm are likely over a broad area extending from about Cooktown to Bundaberg between Friday and Sunday, although much of this rain will fall within 24 hours for most places. Isolated daily totals could reach 200 to 400 mm between about Cooktown and Mackay from Friday night through Saturday, with six-hourly rain rates possibly reaching 100 to 250 mm in this area.
Flood Watch and Potential Flooding
The rain will be falling into rivers that are already elevated from recent rain, which will exacerbate the risk of further flooding in the coming days. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Flood Watch for rivers between Cooktown and Rockhampton, and for the Cape York Peninsula. Minor to major riverine flooding is possible in these areas from Friday into the weekend. In addition to the rain and flooding, isolated areas of damaging winds could develop along the coast between Tully and Cooktown from Friday afternoon into Saturday morning. Looking further ahead, blustery winds and heavy rain could extend further south over the Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett and Southeast Coast districts from Sunday into early next week.
Safety Precautions and Emergency Advice
Emergency services advise people to never drive, walk or swim through floodwater, and stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways. Plan ahead to avoid flooded roads and do not drive if conditions are dangerous. Anyone living in eastern Queensland should monitor the latest forecasts and warnings in their area over the coming days, which can be found on the Weatherzone and Bureau of Meteorology websites and apps. It is essential to stay informed and follow the advice of local authorities to ensure safety during this event. By taking the necessary precautions and staying up to date with the latest weather forecasts, residents can minimize the risks associated with the potential tropical cyclone and flooding.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, a potential tropical cyclone is expected to hit Queensland’s northeast coast this weekend, bringing heavy rain and damaging winds. The tropical low is currently located 405 km northeast of Cairns and is expected to intensify into a category 1 tropical cyclone on Saturday. Residents in the affected areas should take necessary precautions, stay informed, and follow the advice of local authorities to ensure their safety. The Bureau of Meteorology will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates, and it is essential to stay tuned to the latest forecasts and warnings to minimize the risks associated with this event. By working together and taking the necessary precautions, we can reduce the impact of the potential tropical cyclone and flooding, and keep our communities safe.