Signs in the sky that Port Douglas is safe from Tropical Cyclone Narelle
Tropical Cyclone Narelle
Power outages and seabirds circling over Port Douglas on Thursday night were eerie reminders of Far North Queensland’s vulnerability at the hands of Mother Nature as Tropical Cyclone Narelle closed in on Cape York threatening some of the strongest winds in Queensland history.
Cyclone activity caused a power outage in Ayton, Rossville, Cooktown, Bloomfield and Helensville from 5pm yesterday affecting around 100 customers, while 700 homes were without power from around 10pm last night in Port Douglas, Craiglie, Killaloe and Mossman as a result of operating of protective equipment.
And while the Bureau of Meteorology provided the official, and frightening forecast, for Tropical Cyclone Narelle, Port Douglas local Jake Wyatt shared his sure sign that Port was safe for the time being… looking to the skies for the answer.
“Frigate birds. You know what that means… haven’t seen them here like that for a long time,’’ he posted on the Port Douglas Facebook page.
Adding that seabirds only come to shore in crappy weather, Jake suggested the cyclone would not come to Port, at least not while the birds could be seen hanging around the area.
Regular commentator on wildlife matters, Pauline Halsall, added: “When the birds go, we know.’’
Robyn Griffiths encouraged people to be prepared.
“South of the storm that gets the tail can and will often feel a lot of effects. She looks pretty decent size on satellite imagery,’’ Robyn said of Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
“Animals know and we should pay attention. I always do. No harm in being prepared. Stay safe folks.’’
Others felt the birds were not such a great sign, including acclaimed marine biologist Dr Dean Miller: “Wow, that’s the most I’ve seen - something wicked this way comes!”
“Wow, that’s the most I’ve seen - something wicked this way comes!”
Sightings of the birds were also made at Wonga and Newell Beach, while Brydie Lee reported black cockatoos flying out of Cairns in large numbers.
Advice on social media included a warning to people parked at Ellis Beach to move their cars, with footage of waves crashing in and running to the roadway.
