Cyclone Niran intensifies to category two
UPDATE
UPDATE 5:00pm:
Tropical Cyclone Niran continues to hover off the Far North Coast as a category two system.
The latest update from the Bureau of Meteorology has Cyclone Niran approximately 275 kilometres east northeast of Cooktown.
The system remains slow-moving, travelling at eight kilometres an hour with wind gusts of 130 kilometres per hour.
“Tropical cyclone Niran is expected to remain slow-moving off the north Queensland coast while gradually intensifying over the next two days,” the Bureau said.
“Coastal crossing of the cyclone is not expected. However, as the cyclone develops or if it drifts slightly westwards, then it may cause gales about the exposed coastal and island communities on Wednesday.
“From Thursday onwards, the cyclone is expected to take a southeasterly track, away from the coast.”
Gales with gusts to 100km/h may occur about exposed coastal and island communities between Cape Flattery and Innisfail on Wednesday. Gales may occur further south to Lucinda or between Cape Melville and Cape Flattery on Wednesday night, as the cyclone intensifies or if it drifts closer to the coast.
Localised heavy rainfall may occur about the coastal and island communities, mostly due to the moist onshore flow. A Flood Watch and several flood warnings remain current for the north tropical coast between Cooktown and Rollingstone.
To date, the Douglas Shire has experienced very little wind or rain activity compared to our southern neighbours in Cairns and Innisfail regions which have copped a drenching.
Multiple powerlines came down during yesterday’s storm activity between Cairns and the Cassowary Coast with 23,000 Ergon Energy customers still without power, down from yesterday’s peak of 43,000.
EARLIER 2:00pm:
Tropical cyclone Niran has intensified into a category two system off the Far North Coast.
Niran remains slow-moving in the Coral Sea, now situated 255 kilometres east northeast of Cooktown moving north northwest at seven kilometres per hour, with wind gusts of 130 kilometres per hour.
The system is expected to intensify further over the next day or two to a Category three system.
“Coastal crossing of the cyclone is not expected. However, as the cyclone develops, it may extend gales about the coastal and island communities tonight or on Wednesday,” Bureau of Meteorology said.
“From Thursday onwards, the cyclone is expected to take a southeasterly track, away from the coast.”
Areas affected:
Warning zone: Cape Flattery to Mission Beach.
Watch zone: Cape Melville to Cape Flattery and Mission Beach to Lucinda.
Hazards:
Gales with gusts to 100km/h may develop about coastal and island communities between Cape Flattery and Mission Beach tonight or during Wednesday morning. Gales may extend further south to Lucinda or between Cape Melville and Cape Flattery on Wednesday night, as the cyclone intensifies or if it drifts closer to the coast.
Localised heavy rainfall may occur about the coastal and island communities due to the moist onshore flow. Heavier falls may occur on Wednesday as the cyclone intensifies or if it tracks slightly closer to the coast. A Flood Watch and several flood warnings remains current for the north tropical coast between Cooktown and Rollingstone.
Abnormally high tides and large waves may cause minor flooding near the foreshore. People likely to be affected should take measures to protect their property as much as possible and be prepared to help their neighbours.
Recommended Action:
People between Cape Flattery and Mission Beach should take precautions.
People between Cape Melville and Cape Flattery, and between Mission Beach and Lucinda should consider what action they need to take if the cyclone threat increases.
For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit Queensland's Disaster Management Services website (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.