TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVICE NUMBER 5
Issued at 1:40 am EST on Sunday 18 March 2012
A Cyclone WARNING has been declared for coastal and island communities from
NT/Qld Border to Cape Keerweer, including Mornington and Sweers Islands.
A Cyclone WATCH is current for coastal areas from Port McArthur to NT/Qld
Border.
At 1:00 am EST [12:30 am CST] a Tropical Low was estimated to be
65 kilometres north northeast of Normanton and
220 kilometres east southeast of Mornington Island and
moving southwest at 8 kilometres per hour.
The TROPICAL LOW over southwestern Cape York Peninsula has began moving
southwestwards and is located near Karumba. The low is expected to take a more
northwesterly track over southern Gulf of Carpentaria waters during Sunday
morning, where it may develop into a tropical cyclone overnight on Sunday.
GALES are expected to develop up to 170 kilometres from the low centre,
affecting coastal areas between NT/Qld border and Cape Keerweer overnight on
Sunday. GALES may develop between Port McArthur, including Borroloola and
NT/Qld border on Monday, if the cyclone maintains a westward track.
Heavy rain that may lead to flash flooding is expected about the Gulf of
Carpentaria coast and adjacent inland areas between NT/Qld border and Cape
Keerweer.
Water levels on the high tide could also exceed the highest tide of the year
about the Gulf of Carpentaria coast and islands between NT/Qld border and Cape
Keerweer.
A separate Severe Weather Warning is current for Heavy Rain and Abnormally High
Tides for northern Cape York Peninsula and for Torres Strait Islands.
People between NT/Qld border and Cape Keerweer should take precautions and
listen to the next advice at 5 am EST [4:30 CST].
- Information is available from your local government
- For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit Queensland's Disaster
Management Services website (
http://www.disaster.qld.gov.au)
- For emergency assistance call the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) on
132 500 (for assistance with storm damage, rising flood water, fallen trees on
buildings or roof damage).
For people in the Northern Territory:
The Territory Controller advises communities under Watch that now is the time
to put together your emergency kit, clear your yards and balconies, and
commence home shelter preparations.
Details of Tropical Low at 1:00 am EST [12:30 am CST]:
.Centre located near...... 17.1 degrees South 141.2 degrees East
.Location accuracy........ within 110 kilometres
.Recent movement.......... towards the southwest at 8 kilometres per hour
.Wind gusts near centre... 85 kilometres per hour
.Severity category........ below cyclone intensity
.Central pressure......... 991 hectoPascals
The next advice will be issued by 5:00 am EST Sunday 18 March [4:30 am CST
Sunday 18 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.
A map showing the track of the cyclone is available at:
http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone