Damaging winds, heavy rainfall and potential flooding are expected to hit far north Queensland in the coming days with the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) recorded winds of 85km/h this morning.
The cyclone is currently category 1 but is expected to intensify to a category 2 tomorrow. It’s expected to slow down by Thursday and weaken as it travels further inland.
Winds and rainfall
Warnings are in place for areas from Cape Flattery to Cairns, Innisfail, Palm Island, and inland towards Chillagoe.
Heavy rainfall is forecasted as well as potential flash flooding. Rainfall of up to 250mm is forecasted.
Cairns Mayor Terry James told the ABC: “It’s been over 60 years since we’ve had a direct hit.”
From this afternoon, damaging winds up to 120km/h are forecasted for areas around Cape Flattery, Cairns, and Townsville.
On Wednesday morning, destructive winds reaching up to 140km/h are expected around Cairns, Wujal Wujal, and Innisfail.
Preparations for Tropical Cyclone Jasper
The BoM has advised people between Cape Flattery and Townsville to secure properties and boats before the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
People in the watch zone between Cape Melville and Cape Flattery should prepare in case the cyclone threat intensifies in these areas.
National parks between Mackay and Cape Melville are closed.
