CYCLONE WATCH: Evacuate now if you are leaving the region, authorities warn
FNQ weather
Douglas Shire residents north of the Daintree River are being encouraged by authorities to leave as soon as today if they intend on evacuating the area before a likely category five cyclone approaches the Far North Queensland coast near Coen.
Tropical Cyclone Narelle is expected to make landfall some time overnight tomorrow (Thursday, March 19 or Friday, March 20), but with the Daintree ferry out, those leaving the area should evacuate as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate.
“For Degarra residents, roads are expected to become hazardous once winds increase, with fallen trees likely and access becoming impassable once rain sets in,” according to Douglas Shire Council.
“For communities between Cape Tribulation and the Daintree River, residents should also be aware that roads are expected to become hazardous and passenger ferry services may be suspended at short notice as operators prepare for flooding.”
Port Stewart and Lizard Island residents and travellers have already been evacuated to Cooktown.
About 50 Brisbane and Cairns police officers are flying to the Cape York region to help locals prepare for the event.
Friday is the 20th anniversary of category five Cyclone Larry striking Far North Queensland.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, in Douglas Shire, gales with gusts up to 120 km/h are possible, while heavy rain may lead to flash flooding from Thursday evening, extending inland on Friday.
Tides will also be higher than normal and large waves may produce minor flooding of low-lying coastal areas.
“There is a small risk that tides may approach the highest tide of the year during Friday”, the BOM states.
DSC has set up a special Cyclone Narelle information page HERE.