WEATHER WATCH: Emergency warnings downgraded for Douglas Shire, but stay prepared
Tropical low
Emergency warnings have been downgraded for the Port Douglas to Cairns region as a tropical low off the coast continues to track southward towards the Townsville-Bowen region.
Cruise operators, however, have been cancelling tours yesterday and today as boats are being asked by authorities to move out of the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina and seek safer waters with strong winds and heavy rain still expected tonight and across coming days, while Four Mile Beach also remains shut.
The marina is currently empty of big tour operator boats such as Quicksilver and Calypso, while cruise boat Shaolin Port Douglas released a statement that it would not be operating today.
“Due to the current severe weather warning, the Marina has asked all vessels to move to a safe location,” the cruise operators stated.
“As a result, today’s Shaolin cruises have been cancelled.
“While we’re hopeful to be back on the water tomorrow (pending official clearance), we’ll keep you updated as soon as we know more.”
The request comes as the tropical low off the coast of Cairns is expected to reach the coast sometime overnight, with a high chance of it forming into category two Tropical Cyclone Koji.
Severe weather is expected across a large span of coastline ranging from Cairns in the north to Mackay in the south.
Douglas Shire residents are being urged to be prepared for strong winds and heavy rain, with free sand for sandbags available at a variety of locations including Port Douglas Sports Complex and Wonga Beach Fire Brigade shed.
The BoM advises that a Severe Weather Warning remains in place for many parts of the Far North.
For further updates, go to douglas.qld.gov.au.
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