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Click here to find out moreHinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Core Group met again this morning, Wednesday 24 January 2024 to revise preparations for the current threat posed by Tropical Cyclone Kirrily. A further meeting of the entire LDMG was held later today to finalise the preparations required.
At this stage, a cyclone is expected to cross the coast in the vicinity of Townsville as a Category 2 Cyclone late Thursday evening, 25 January 2024. Destructive wind gusts up to 140km/h may develop about coastal and island communities between Cardwell and Proserpine on Thursday 25 January 2024. Based on the predicted landfall, there is no concern for storm tide/surge threat to the Hinchinbrook community at this point.
Heavy rainfall leading to flooding is likely to develop in coastal areas between Innisfail and Sarina from early Thursday 25 January and continuing during Friday 26 January 2024. Flooding of the Herbert River is expected Friday 26 January 2024.
As the cyclone is below Category 3, the Ingham Cyclone Shelter will not be opened, in accordance with standing protocols. The best option for most people is to shelter in their homes. If you are not confident to remain in your own home, you should seek alternate accommodation options with family or friends.
The Hinchinbrook Evacuation Centre is located at the Ingham Showgrounds (17-25 Cooper Street, Ingham) and will be open from midday tomorrow, Thursday 24 January 2024. The Evacuation Centre will be available to evacuees with no accommodation alternatives. Evacuees will need to be self-sufficient and reminded to bring their own non-perishable food, bedding, toiletries and personal protective equipment if required.
Pets (with the exception of assistance animals) are not permitted within the Evacuation Centre, but will be accepted in alternate caged accommodation located nearby. Evacuees will be responsible for ensuring adequate food, water and welfare of their animals during the period.
Wallaman Falls, Jourama Falls and Broadwater camping grounds and roads will be closed to residents and travellers shortly. Council will advise accordingly when the road closure is planned to be lifted.
Sand and sandbags will be deployed by 5.00pm today, Wednesday 24 January 2024 in the following locations:
- Cordelia – Carrs Farm; and
- Halifax – Halifax SES building (prefilled sandbags will be available from 10.00am tomorrow, Thursday 25 January 2024).
Sand and sandbags will be deployed by 8.00am tomorrow, Thursday 25 January 2024 for Ingham in the Shire Hall Carpark (rear of Council's Main Office, Lannercost Street).
Residents will need to fill the sandbags themselves with shovels and bags provided at each location. Please be mindful that the prefilled bags are meant to assist the elderly or physically impaired residents, therefore Council encourages residents to fill their own sandbags.
Residents are urged to finalise their emergency plan preparations today for the preparation of gales and damaging wind gusts. This includes securing any outdoor furniture or equipment that could become projectiles in strong winds.
It is highly recommended that residents store a supply of water for household use including drinking, cooking, washing etc.
Cyclones will uproot trees, particularly when ground conditions are very wet, such as now with the possibility of damaging town water mains resulting in loss of potable water. You should store sufficient water for at least a 24 hour period. Storage may include bowls, large clean containers, buckets and even accessories such as bathtubs.
To assist with preparing your Emergency Kits, please visit Get Ready Queensland’s website and download a copy of their Emergency Kit Checklist.
For updates regarding weather conditions please refer to the Bureau of Meteorology’s website.