Media Release - BOM Latest Tropical Cyclone Update

BOM have now released a revised Cyclone tracking map forecasting the cyclone to remain off the coast today and into tomorrow.

Tropical Cyclone Kimi has intensified to a category 2 cyclone. It is currently moving south-southeast and is likely to continue this movement through tonight, but is now expected to slow and stall off the coast between Hinchinbrook Island and Townsville on Tuesday while beginning to weaken.

However, considerable uncertainty remains with the future movement of the system, and a category 2 coastal crossing between Hinchinbrook Island and Townsville tonight or on Tuesday REMAINS POSSIBLE.

Because of this uncertainty, the LDMG urges everyone to remain on high alert and to continue with preparations for an event to occur.  Warnings relative to the undermentioned hazards remain current.

DESTRUCTIVE WINDS with gusts to 150 km/h may develop about coastal and island d 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 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. A Flood Watch is current for this area; refer to that product for more detail.

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.

For the full advice from BOM, residents are urged to continue monitoring the BOM website www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings for further weather warnings and updates.

The LDMG will continue to monitor the situation and will issue relevant notices to residents as required.

For information regarding local conditions, please visit the Hinchinbrook Disaster Dashboard or contact the LDMG on 4776 4600.