Cyclone Kirrily expected to form later than first thought but ‘widespread flooding’ risk remains for Queensland
An expected tropical cyclone could cross the Queensland coast weaker than initially feared but is likely to bring “widespread flooding” to multiple areas.
The formation of Cyclone Kirrily from a tropical low in the Coral Sea is predicted to happen on overnight on Tuesday or early on Wednesday — approximately 24 hours later than previously thought.
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That means while it is still forecast to make landfall as a category three system, it will have less time to intensify as it moves towards the Australian mainland.
“The chance of a severe tropical cyclone on landfall still remains, but that risk has slightly decreased overnight,” Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Laura Boekel said on Tuesday morning.
“Our most likely scenario is still … a category three crossing.”
Previous modelling showed the system developing into a category three well offshore, leading to fears it could have intensified into a category four or five storm before reaching the mainland.
Premier Steven Miles said the stretch of the coast from Cardwell to Airlie Beach should be on alert.
“Widespread flooding is likely to follow the cyclone crossing the coast,” he said.
“The crossing and the flooding are likely to impact highly populated areas like Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton.
“It’s incredibly important that individuals and households prepare themselves.”
The tropical low is located about 800km northeast of Townsville on Tuesday morning, moving slowly in a southwest direction.
Path of destruction
People in its path, including the Whitsunday islands, have been warned of wind gusts of up to 120km/h from Wednesday evening.
Destructive winds of up to 150km/h could be felt between Cardwell and Bowen including Townsville on Thursday, the bureau warns.
Flooding that results from the system is possible for areas between Townsville and St Lawrence, as well as inland locations as far north as Cairns.
“Intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is possible close to the system, most likely during Thursday,” the bureau said in an alert.
