Cyclone Niran continues to track away from Far North

UPDATE

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Last updated:
The latest cyclone tracking map from the Bureau of Meteorology at 2:00pm.

UPDATE 2:00pm:

The latest update from the Bureau of Meteorology has Tropical Cyclone Niran approximately 350 kilometres northeast of Cairns and 310 kilometres east northeast of Cooktown with wind gusts of 140 kilometres per hour.

The system remains slow moving and is expected to intensify overnight as it adopt a southeasterly track and accelerate away from the coast on Thursday.


EARLIER 11:00am:

Tropical cyclone Niran, remains extremely slow-moving as it hovers almost 300km off the Far North Coast today before it is expected to accelerate away from the region on Thursday.

The system, currently category two, was sitting 285 kilometres east northeast of Cooktown with wind gusts to 140 kilometres per hour, at the last update.

The Bureau of Meteorology expects Cyclone Niran to intensify into a category three storm late on Wednesday, however, it is expected to remain well off the coast.

“Coastal crossing of the cyclone is not expected. However, as the cyclone strengthens, it may produce gales about exposed coastal and island communities between Cape Melville and Innisfail later today or early on Thursday,” the Bureau said.

“On Thursday, the cyclone is expected to adopt a southeasterly track and accelerate away from the coast.”

A Cyclone warning remains in place from Cape Melville to Innisfail, including Cooktown, Port Douglas, and Cairns.

Little impact from Cyclone Niran has been felt in the Douglas Shire to date, however residents are warned not to become complacent in case circumstances change.

“Gales with gusts to 100km/h may develop about exposed coastal and island communities between Cape Melville and Innisfail, including Cooktown, Port Douglas, and Cairns, later today or early on Thursday as the cyclone intensifies,” the Bureau said.

Recommended Action:

People between Cape Melville and Innisfail, including Cooktown, Port Douglas, and Cairns, should take precautions.

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

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

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