TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVICE NUMBER 36
Issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, Brisbane
Issued at 7:47am on Tuesday the 10th of March 2009
A Cyclone WARNING is current for northern parts of Fraser Island. A Cyclone
WATCH is current for the mainland coast and offshore islands from Yeppoon to
Tewantin [including Heron Island and Lady Elliot Island].
Severe Tropical Cyclone Hamish, a CATEGORY 4 CYCLONE, is located off the
Capricornia coast and at 7:00 am EST was estimated to be 320 kilometres east of
Gladstone and 140 kilometres northeast of Sandy Cape, moving southeast at 11
kilometres per hour.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Hamish is expected to slow down and weaken during today.
It is then forecast to change direction during Wednesday and move west towards
the coast as a weaker cyclone.
Damaging winds are expected to continue to affect the northern part of Fraser
Island during the next few hours.
Damaging winds are not expected to develop about the mainland coast and offshore
islands between Yeppoon and Tewantin during the next 24 hours, however they may
develop later.
Large waves generated by the cyclone may produce elevated sea levels and minor
flooding along the foreshore south of Sandy Cape. People living in areas likely
to be affected by this flooding should take measures to protect their property
as much as possible and be prepared to help their neighbours.
Details of Severe Tropical Cyclone Hamish at 7:00 am EST:
.Centre located near...... 24.0 degrees South 154.4 degrees East
.Location accuracy........ within 19 kilometres
.Recent movement.......... towards the southeast at 11 kilometres per hour
.Wind gusts near centre... 230 kilometres per hour
.Severity category........ 4
.Central pressure......... 950 hectoPascals
People on the northern part of Fraser Island should stay calm and remain in a
secure shelter while the damaging winds continue.
People on the mainland coast between Yeppoon and Tewantin should consider what
action they will need to take if the cyclone threat increases. If you are unsure
about the actions to be taken, information is available from your local
government or local State Emergency Service.
The next advice will be issued by 11:00 am EST Tuesday 10 March.
This warning is also available through TV and Radio Broadcasts; the Bureau's
website at
http://www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 212. The Bureau and the State
Emergency Service would appreciate this warning being broadcast regularly.