by Mat Churchill


Cyclone Yasi has created a storm of comments on weather forums with people eager to find more information on what has been predicted to be a category four system.

Speculation is rife on if, when, and where the cyclone may hit land, but in a media release received at lunch time yesterday Mayor Val Schier advised residents to ensure they were prepared, with wind gusts from the system expected to impact on the region on Wednesday evening.
 
“Tropical Cyclone Yasi is a large system, so even if Cairns is outside of the warning area, there is still a likelihood of very heavy rainfall and higher than normal predicted tides,” Cr Schier said.
 
“Due to the size of the system, gale force winds could be experienced by Cairns as early as Wednesday evening.

“The Local Disaster Management Group comprised of representatives from the emergency services agencies (including BoM, Police, Fire, Ambulance, Emergency Management Qld) have also been placed on standby and are meeting today and tomorrow to confirm arrangements and to make preparations should Cairns be named in the watch or warning zone.
 
“Council and SES have been busy in making preparations and have thousands of sandbags ready if required.  Residents who require sandbags can access them from local SES groups or call 132 500.
 
“All residents are advised to make preparations, particularly those in low-lying areas or mobile accommodation.  Preparations include having a household emergency plan, packing an emergency kit and staying tune to weather updates.”
 
Regularly updated cyclone information is available on Cairns Regional Council’s website at www.cairns.qld.gov.au/disaster 

One contributor to the Weatherzone forum looked to his pet lizard for insight on things to come. "My big blue tongue lizard is 23yrs old and he has been doing everything he can to get higher up. hmmmmm."

Another talked of a radio announcement regarding evacuation centres in Cairns. "Heard a message on the radio about the evac centres in Cairns not being up and running until after the event (ie once your house is gone). They were telling everyone to stay inside when it hits - couldn't quite believe it when I heard it!"

Cairns Regional Council media coordinator, Sonja Anderson, said preparation is the key to remaining safe, and urged people visit the Council's 'Understanding cyclones' web page where a 'Preparing for Cylones' information guide is available for download.

"People are encouraged to prepare, pack and listen to the radio and stay in their homes unless directed to leave by police," she said.

Ms Anderson added that evacuation centres, which are run by volunteers, would be made available if required.

"CRC leads the coordination, but police are the only organisation that has the power to evacuate. SES and other organisations certainly support.  Evacuation centres will be activated if needed and directions to the centres (will be) controlled by the Queensland Police."

The final word goes to one blogger who wrote "The trouble with weather forecasting is that it's right too often for us to ignore it and wrong too often for us to rely on it."