Residents Urged To Be Prepared

Severe Tropical Cyclone Owen is moving in an easterly direction toward the Southern Gulf of Carpentaria. It is predicted to cross the coast late Friday/early Saturday before proceeding in a south easterly direction toward the North Queensland coast.

It is predicted to affect the Hinchinbrook area late Saturday/Sunday as a Low. Heavy rain leading to flooding is expected. Damaging winds are considered a risk on the eastern flank of the system as it tracks to the south east.

Residents are urged to finalise preparations for flooding and above normal wind.

For precautionary measures, Council will make sand and bags available today at BP Halifax – from 2.30pm, Carrs Farm Cordelia – from 2.30pm and the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall rear car park from 1.00pm.

The Halifax Transfer Station and Warrens Hill Waste Management Facility will remain open, and will be free of charge from now through the weekend, for residents to dispose of residential/domestic waste as they progress with yard clean-up operations. Residents are urged to check and clear or secure their yards of objects that could be potential projectiles in strong winds.

For further details on BEING READY, please visit Council’s website, How to be Prepared page.

Residents are urged to monitor the BOM website and listen to ABC radio for further updates on the approaching weather.

Remember: before, during or after a disaster or emergency event, the Hinchinbrook Disaster Dashboard is the place to go for all disaster related updates, disaster.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au.