The Bureau of Meteorology has issued the following tropical cyclone warning for Far North Queensland:
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Northern Territory
Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre
Media: The Standard Emergency Warning Signal should NOT be used with this warning.
PRIORITY
TROPICAL CYCLONE WATCH
TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVICE NUMBER 1
Issued at 1:57 pm CST [2:27 pm EST] on Monday 16 February 2015
Headline:
Tropical Cyclone Watch declared for communities in Arnhem Land and Cape York Peninsula
Watch Zone
Badu Island to Cape Keerweer in Queensland and Nhulunbuy to Cape Shield including Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory.
Details of Tropical Low at 12:30 pm CST [1:00 pm EST]:
Intensity: Tropical Low, sustained winds near the centre of 45 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 85 kilometres per hour.
Location: within 55 kilometres of 11.3 degrees South 140.2 degrees East, estimated to be 235 kilometres northwest of Weipa and 385 kilometres east northeast of Nhulunbuy.
Movement: northwest at 13 kilometres per hour.
The tropical low is expected to become slow moving overnight and may reach tropical cyclone intensity over the northern Gulf of Carpentaria during Tuesday.
Hazards:
GALES are not expected in coastal areas within the next 24 hours, however gales could develop later.
Recommended Action:
People between Badu Island and Cape Keerweer in Queensland should consider what action they will need to take if the cyclone threat increases.
– Information is available from your local government
– For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit Queensland's Disaster Management Services website (www.disaster.qld.gov.au)
– For emergency assistance call the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) on 132 500 (for assistance with storm damage, rising flood water, fallen trees on buildings or roof damage).
The Territory Controller advises communities in the Northern Territory under Watch that now is the time to finalise your emergency kit, clear your yards and balconies, and commence home shelter preparations.
If you DO NOT have accommodation constructed to the Building Code or are unsure of your present accommodation, you should determine NOW where you will shelter. This may include arranging to shelter with family, friends or in public emergency shelters, or strong buildings, where available in your community.
This advice is issued to allow you sufficient time in which to take the necessary precautions before winds reach a dangerous level.
Please ensure that friends, family and neighbours have heard and understood this message, particularly new arrivals to the area. Further advice on cyclone emergencies in the Northern Territory is available at www.securent.nt.gov.au
Next Advice:
The next advice will be issued by 5:00 pm CST Monday 16 February [5:30 pm EST Monday 16 February].
This advice is available on telephone NT-1300 659 211 and QLD-1300 659 212
A map showing the track of the cyclone is available at: http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone
