Advice 8 : Cyclone Kimi shifts further away from Douglas

Communities between Cape Tribulation and Port Douglas are no longer in the warning zone as Tropical Cyclone Kimi continues to track slowly south.

The latest tracking map shows the forecast path of the cyclone has been delayed and again shifted south, now expected to cross the coast near Cardwell on Tuesday.

As at 8:00am the Bureau of Meteorology said Cyclone Kimi was 85 kilometres east northeast of Cairns moving south at 9 kilometres per hour .

“Tropical cyclone Kimi moved slowly southwards through most of Sunday, but is expected to turn a little more to the south-southwest during today,” said the Bureau.

“The system is most likely to approach, and may cross, the coast late today or early Tuesday between about Innisfail and Lucinda, however there remains considerable uncertainty with the crossing time and location.

“The system may intensify further during today and is likely to be at least at least a category 2 system as it approaches the coast.”

Warning zone

Port Douglas to Ayr and inland to Mareeba and Atherton, including Cairns and Townsville..

Hazards

DESTRUCTIVE WINDS with gusts to 150 km/h may develop about coastal and island areas between Innisfail and Lucinda on Monday evening or early Tuesday morning as the core of the cyclone approaches.

GALES with gusts to 120km/h may develop about coastal and island areas between Port Douglas and Innisfail during Monday morning, then extend inland to Mareeba and Atherton, and further south to Lucinda, later on Monday. Gales may also extend southwards to Townsville and Ayr early Tuesday depending on the movement of the cyclone.

HEAVY RAINFALL with the potential to produce flash flooding and major river flooding expected to affect coastal and adjacent inland areas between Cairns and Townsville during Monday and Tuesday. A Flood Watch is current for this area; refer to that product for more detail.

ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES are likely on Monday as the cyclone approaches the coast. A storm tide is possible between Yarrabah and Cardwell, where large waves may produce minor flooding along the foreshore. People living in areas likely to be affected by this flooding should take measures to protect their property as much as possible and be prepared to help their neighbours.

Recommended Action

People between Port Douglas and Lucinda should immediately commence or continue preparations, especially securing boats and property.

People between Lucinda and Ayr, including Townsville should consider what action they will need to take if the cyclone threat increases.

- For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit Queensland's Disaster Management Services website (www.disaster.qld.gov.au)

- If you choose to take shelter away from your home, stay COVID-19 safe and pack a mask and hand sanitiser (if you have them).

- For emergency assistance call the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 (for assistance with storm damage, rising flood water, fallen trees on buildings or roof damage).