Tropical cyclone Kimi is now on track the weaken and potentially become a tropical low as it moves southeast along the coast, but the Far North isn’t out of the woods yet. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
TROPICAL cyclone Kimi is now on track the weaken and potentially become a tropical low as it moves southeast along the coast, but the Far North isn’t out of the woods yet.
The 5pm update from the Bureau of meteorology has advised the cyclone is expected to remain on a south-south-eastwards movement tonight and become slow moving on Tuesday, off the coast between Hinchinbrook Island and Townsville.
“The cyclone is expected to begin weakening as it stalls on Tuesday,” the Bureau says.
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“The remnants of the system is expected to begin tracking northwards as a weak tropical low.
“The system’s movement has been erratic and considerable uncertainty remains with the forecast movement. Hence, a coastal crossing between Hinchinbrook Island and Townsville tonight or on Tuesday remains a possibility.”
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At 4pm, the storm was 165 kilometres southeast of Cairns and 165 kilometres north of Townsville, moving south southeast at 14km/h.
The warning zone currently covers Innisfail to Ayr, including Lucinda, Palm Island and Townsville. The warning for Port Douglas to Innisfail is now cancelled.
A watch zone is in place from Ayr to Bowen.
The Bureau of Meteorology has also warned that severe thunderstorms are likely between Cooktown to south of Ingham on Monday as the system approaches the coast.
FLOOD WATCH
Heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone Kimi is expected in coastal catchments between Cairns and Ayr and is likely to cause flooding and disrupt transport routes, the Bureau has warned.
The location of the heaviest rainfall is dependent on the movement of the tropical cyclone.
Heavy rainfall has fallen over the majority of catchments within the Flood Watch area over the last two weeks.
Rivers will therefore respond relatively quickly to further rainfall.
Minor to moderate flooding is possible in the Flood Watch area, particularly within the catchments where flooding has recently occurred.
Isolated major flooding is possible.
An initial minor flood warning is current for the Tully River on the North Tropical Coast.
Catchments likely to be affected include: Mulgrave and Russell Rivers, Johnstone River, Tully River, Murray River, Herbert River, Black River, Ross and Bohle Rivers and Haughton River
Flooding is no longer expected in the following catchments: Jeannie, Endeavour, Daintree, Mossman and Barron rivers.
SHELTERS
On the Cassowary Coast there are two purpose-built cyclone shelters which are located in Tully and Innisfail.
The shelters are intended to be a short-term option of up to around 18 hours and have very basic amenities. Evacuees will only have about one square metre of seating space and all belongings (including food, water, medications and clothing) must be contained in a small bag which will fit under a seat.
There will be no cooking facilities available for use nor will any be allowed to be brought in. There will be no food available and for the safety of everyone within the shelter, no pets will be permitted.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council will advise if and when the shelters are opening.
WHAT’S OPEN, CLOSED
Cairns Central shopping centre has confirmed it will open today after initially planning to close the centre.
“Based on the latest information that Cyclone Kimi is moving further away from Cairns, Cairns Central will be opening today as usual,” the centre advised.
Cairns Regional Council has also now opened the Cairns Botanic Gardens and Arrow tracks.
The Cairns Jockey Club has confirmed Tuesday’s racing program at Cannon Park is cancelled.
Hazards
Destructive winds with gusts to 150 km/h may develop about coastal and island areas between Hinchinbrook Island and Ayr overnight tonight or on Tuesday, depending on the movement of the cyclone.
Gales with gusts to 120km/h are likely about coastal and island communities between Innisfail and Ayr tonight and Tuesday. Gales may also extend southwards to Bowen later on Tuesday depending on the movement of the cyclone.
Heavy rainfall with the potential to produce flash flooding and major river flooding expected to affect coastal and adjacent inland areas between Innisfail and Bowen tonight and on Tuesday.
Abnormally high tides are likely today as Tuesday as the cyclone gets closer to the coast, however the sea level should not exceed the highest tide of the year. Large waves are likely along the beachfront.
‘Take care’: Premier’s message
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queensland was well prepared with emergency services on full alert and ready to help.
“North Queenslanders know what to do — listen to emergency warnings and, above all, stay off flooded roads,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“The bureau is warning of strong winds and very heavy rain.
“I just urge everyone to take care.”
‘A lot of uncertainty’: BOM
The low-pressure system hovering off the tropical north coast last week had a very low chance of developing into cyclone before it intensified into a category one about noon on Sunday.
Meteorologist Kimba Wong said conditions may deteriorate overnight before making landfall.
“Given the current forecast, it’d arrive just north of Cairns but it could be anywhere along the north coast as there’s still quite a lot of uncertainty,” Ms Wong said.
“There’s a risk of it developing into a category two before crossing the coast, but that very much depends on how quickly it moves.”
RELATED: HOW CAIRNS AUTHORITIES ARE PREPARING
Ms Wong said their initial analysis of the low-pressure system indicated a very low chance of developing into a cyclone.
“Given how close it was to land, we believed the interactions with land would arrest the chance of it developing into a cyclone, but it managed to do so,” she said.
“As for the rate of intensification, it’s still reasonable. Once it’s two categories per day then it’d be a more rapid rate.”
Ms Wong said the compact nature of the system may have been a contributing factor to it developing quickly.
“Communities up in the north are very accustomed to potential impacts of cyclones so hopefully people are aware of the hazards,” she said.
“People in the warning zone need start or continue preparations, including securing loose items.”
Council to barricade flood-prone areas
Cairns deputy mayor and chairman of the Local Disaster Management Group Terry James said their response had moved to the second stage, which involved notifying every member who’s part of the local disaster co-ordination centre to be prepared.
Cr James said council staff were also preparing to “barricade known flooding areas”, which included numerous streets around Portsmith and the Esplanade.
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Alerts for vessel operators
Cairns-based Regional Harbour Master Captain David Ferguson on Sunday night issued a red cyclone alert for vessel operators at ports in Cairns, Half Moon Bay Marin, Mourilyan, Innisfail, Clump Point, Cape Flattery, Cooktown and Port Douglas.
The alert meant the ports were shut to all but emergency movements.
Normal operations have since resumed at Cairns, Port Douglas, Cape Flattery and Cooktown.
The Daintree Ferry resumed normal operations on Monday at 5am after there were initial plans to halt the service from midnight Sunday.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
People between Innisfail and Ayr, including Lucinda, Palm Island and Townsville should immediately commence or continue preparations, especially securing boats and property.
People between Ayr and Bowen should consider what action they will 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)
– If you choose to take shelter away from your home, stay COVID-19 safe and pack a mask and hand sanitiser (if you have them).
– 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).
Authorities hold extraordinary meeting
Far North police Chief Supt Brian Huxley said an extraordinary meeting for the District Disaster Management Group was held on Sunday afternoon followed by a second in Mareeba.
“Each local government areas is well prepared to respond to the issues from Cyclone Kimi,” Chief Supt Huxley said.
“We’ve identified vulnerable persons who need to be removed to safe locations, which is happening at the moment.
“Arrangements are also in place for pregnant women should they need to be also assisted.”
He said most vulnerable people were in Wujal Wujal, Cooktown, Daintree and Mossman.
“We’re advised that the movement of the cyclone is still difficult to predict, possibly moving further south so there is a greater risk to Cairns itself.
Extra resources allocated
Chief Supt Huxley said five extra police officers had been deployed to Cooktown for better on-the-ground co-ordination with other emergency services.
“Swift water rescue and rapid damage assessment crews from QFES are also being deployed to Port Douglas,” he said.
“They are also amassing resources in Cairns to enable a fast response to any developing issues.”
At this stage, there have been no major incidents with the chief superintendent urging residents to restrict their movements unless urgent.
“We anticipate there could be very strong wind gusts associated with this system that could bring down large trees,” he said.
“If you do have to drive on the roads, exercise extreme cautions and under no circumstances should you be crossing flooded roads or bridges.”
Impact on transport, services
Cairns Airport is operating however multiple Monday morning flights to and from the airport have been delayed or cancelled.
Customers are urged to contact their airlines for information on specific flights.
Queensland Rail have closed the Kuranda Range rail line and a spokeswoman said the Townsville to Cairns section of the north coastline was expected to close later on Monday.
“Queensland Rail is encouraging customers with plans that might be affected to get in touch with our travel team via the Queensland Rail travel website,” she said.
The fever clinics at Mossman and Aumuller Street are being stood down for the time.
All normal theatre operations at Cairns Hospital have not been impacted.
