Cyclone Kimi forms in Coral Sea

Issued at 12:11 pm EST on Sunday 17 January 2021

Tropical cyclone Kimi has formed northeast of Cooktown.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning zone to affected areas, Cape Melville to Cardwell, extending inland to Palmerville and Chillagoe, including Cooktown, Port Douglas, Cairns, and Innisfail.

Details of Tropical Cyclone Kimi at 10:00 am AEST:

Intensity: Category 1, sustained winds near the centre of 65 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 95 kilometres per hour.

Location: within 45 kilometres of 14.9 degrees South 146.4 degrees East, estimated to be 140 kilometres east northeast of Cooktown and 235 kilometres north northeast of Cairns.
Movement: southwest at 9 kilometres per hour.

Tropical cyclone Kimi has formed in the northwest Coral Sea northeast of Cooktown. The cyclone is expected to move to the southwest and cross the north tropical coast between Cape Flattery and Port Douglas on Monday morning. It may reach category 2 before crossing.

Hazards:

DESTRUCTIVE WINDS with gusts to 130 km/h may develop about coastal and island areas between Cape Flattery and Cairns from early Monday morning as the cyclone approaches.

GALES with gusts to 120km/h may develop about coastal and island areas between Cape Melville and Cardwell from Sunday evening. These GALES may extend inland to Palmerville and Chillagoe on Monday as the cyclone moves inland.

HEAVY RAINFALL is forecast to develop about coastal and adjacent inland areas between Cape Flattery and Cardwell from Sunday afternoon. A Flood Watch is current for this area; refer to that product for more detail.

ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES are likely on Sunday night and Monday as the cyclone approaches, however they are unlikely to exceed the highest tide of the year.

Recommended Action:

People between Cape Melville and Cardwell should immediately commence preparations, especially securing boats and property using available daylight hours.

- 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).

Next Advice:

The next advice will be issued by 2:00 pm AEST Sunday 17 January.