THE Bureau of Meteorology has released the latest advice as tropical cyclone Niran has developed off the north Queensland coast. The cyclone is currently moving slowly northeast, but may drift a little to the west, closer to the coast, on Wednesday.
Image Credit / Windy
TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVICE NUMBER 12 issued at 8:03 am EST on Tuesday 2 March 2021
Warning Zone / Cape Flattery to Lucinda
Watch Zone / Cape Melville to Cape Flattery
Cancelled Zone / None
Details of Tropical Cyclone Niran at 7:00 am AEST
Intensity / Category 1, sustained winds near the centre of 85 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 120 kilometres per hour.
Location / within 30 kilometres of 15.3 degrees South 147.7 degrees East, estimated to be 275 kilometres northeast of Cairns and 265 kilometres east of Cooktown.
Movement / northeast at 16 kilometres per hour.
The tropical low off the north Queensland coast has developed into Tropical cyclone Niran. The cyclone is expected to continue moving slowly to the northeast during today, before becoming slow-moving or drifting back slowly to the west this evening into Wednesday. Niran is expected to continue intensifying over the next day or two.
A coastal crossing by the core of the cyclone is not expected, however gales may develop within the warning zone late this evening or Wednesday morning if the cyclone adopts a track further to the west.
In the longer term, the system is expected to take a southeasterly track away from the coast from Thursday.
Hazards
Gales with gusts to 100km/h may develop about coastal and island communities between Cape Flattery and Innisfail late this evening or during Wednesday morning, and then extend further south to Lucinda later on Wednesday if the system tracks a significant distance to the west and closer to the coast. Gales may also develop between Cape Melville and Cape Flattery later on Wednesday.
Heavy Rainfall has eased along the north tropical coast, but may redevelop late this evening or during Wednesday in the warning area if the cyclone tracks closer to the coast. A Flood Watch and several flood warnings are 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 Lucinda should take precautions and listen to the next advice at 11 am.
– Information is available from your local government
– 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).
Next Advice
The next advice will be issued by 11:00 am AEST Tuesday 02 March.
This warning is also available through TV and Radio Broadcasts; the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and the State Emergency Service would appreciate this warning being broadcast regularly.
Radars Offline
The Townsville BOM radar remains offline, while the Cairns radar also experienced technical issues overnight. BOM assures locals that they are committed to providing the best possible services, and meteorologists and hydrologists are always available to help the region.
Exercise Caution on the Roads
With conditions remaining challenging across the Tropical North today motorists are advised to exercise caution on the roads. For real-time travel information head to qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40, and remember #BackItUp and #IfItsFloodedForgetIt
Catholic Schools Closed
All Catholic schools in the Cairns, Mossman, Cooktown, Tablelands and Cassowary Coast regions are closed today. The only far northern Catholic schools to remain open will be St Joseph’s Parish School, Weipa and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School, Thursday and Hammond Islands.
Catholic Early Learning and Care Outside School Hours Care services and Long Day Care services are also closed. It is expected that all schools will reopen on Wednesday, however that will be reassessed Tuesday afternoon and updated advice will be provided if schools will not be reopening.
Catholic Education Services Cairns Executive Director Bill Dixon said the decision was made in the interests of the safety of students, families, staff and all in the community. ‘Stay home on Tuesday and stay safe,” he advised.
Marine Wind Warning for Tuesday 2 March 2021
Issued at 7:46 am EST on Tuesday 2 March 2021 for the period until midnight EST Wednesday 3 March 2021.
Gale Warning / Cooktown Coast, Cairns Coast, Townsville Coast and Great Barrier Reef Offshore
Strong Wind Warning / Mackay Coast
Cancellation / Peninsula Coast
Marine Wind Warning for Wednesday 3 March 2021
Storm Force Wind Warning / Cooktown Coast and Cairns Coast
Gale Warning / Peninsula Coast and Townsville Coast
Strong Wind Warning / Mackay Coast, Sunshine Coast Waters, Moreton Bay and Gold Coast Waters
The next marine wind warning summary will be issued by 3:50 pm EST Tuesday.
Boaties Remain On Alert
The Regional Harbour Master has warned boat operators that a weather event is likely to affect the Ports of Mourilyan, Cairns, Cape Flattery and Cooktown within the next 24 hours. The harbours and marinas are now in “preparedness phase, Phase Two of the Extreme Weather Plan. The Regional Harbour Master advises that “vessel operators and owners should review their safety plans and address any outstanding matters.”
The Extreme Weather Plan is available via the Maritime Safety Queensland website at www.msq.qld.gov.au.
Douglas Shire Council Responds to Flood Watch
Minor to moderate flooding is possible across the Flood Watch area during the next few days, with a risk of isolated major flooding. Daily rainfall totals of 100-150 mm are likely, with locally heavy falls in excess of 200 mm possible, particularly near the coast.
Localised flooding and disruption to transport routes are likely throughout the Flood Watch area. Catchments likely to be affected include:
- Endeavour River
- Daintree River
- Mossman River
- Barron River
- Mulgrave and Russell Rivers
- Johnstone River
- Tully River
- Murray River
- Herbert River
Council has made sand and sandbags available at the following locations:
Wonga / Wonga RFS/SES shed
Diwan / SES Local Headquarters, Tea Tree Road Diwan
Daintree Village / Daintree Village RFS/SES shed
Port Douglas / Port Douglas AFL Club carpark, access via Wharf Street
Mossman / Mossman SES shed at the rear of Council’s Administration Building in Mossman, access via Front Street
Remember: If it’s flooded, forget it.
Local residents are encouraged to stay connected at the Douglas Dashboard at https://dashboard.douglas.qld.gov.au/
– 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).
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