The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Tropical Cyclone Warning for far north Queensland, with gale-force winds, heavy rain and unusually high tides forecast tomorrow.
In a statement, the BOM said a tropical low was located in the Coral Sea, approximately 275km north-east of Cooktown, and may intensify to tropical cyclone strength on Monday.
“If a tropical cyclone develops, it will be named Tiffany and is expected to initially be category one,” the Bureau said.
The system is currently tracking southeast in the northern Coral Sea and is forecast to cross the Cape York Peninsula on Monday, before moving into the Gulf of Carpentaria.
The current warning zone extends from Cape Grenville to Cape Tribulation, including Lockhart River and Cooktown, with people living in these areas advised to take precautions and listen out for further advice.
It said residents in Kowanyama to Mapoon including Weipa were in the watch area, and should consider what action they will need to take if the cyclone threat increases.
Senior Meteorologist, Dean Narramore said the Bureau was closely monitoring the system.
“We are expecting heavy rainfall and damaging winds as a result of this system, so regardless of whether it is a tropical low or a tropical cyclone, there is still an increased risk of flooding and some localised damage in the region,” Mr Narramore said.
“Tropical systems can intensify very quickly, and shift direction, so we will be updating our warnings and advice to the community and our emergency services colleagues as this system progresses.”
Remember to know your weather, know your risk, and keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings using the BOM Weather app or the Bureau’s website.
For the latest weather information visit www.bom.gov.au
For the tropical Cyclone Outlook visit http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/cyclone.shtml
