READY FOR OWEN
SYSTEM MAKES STEALTHY MOVE ON FNQ
THE Far North is preparing for a wild weekend as Cyclone Owen makes landfall.
The “zombie cyclone” is forecast to intensify to a category four, and is predicted to cross the coast south of Kowanyama. But while Cape York is preparing for the brunt of the storm, Cairns is getting ready for the fallout of gale-force winds and intense rain.
Freshwater homeowner Felicity Bury was busy sandbagging her doors yesterday.
Ms Bury said she knew just how devastating the impact of floodwaters could be.
“In January my roof collapsed in with rain and the SES had to come out,” she said. “So after that I’ve been preparing all year for cyclone season.”
She said preparation included collecting 60 sandbags from Cairns Regional Council.
“All of my furniture is up off the floor on pots and pans,” she said. “There’s nothing else you can really do, you just have to stay positive.”
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting Cyclone Owen will be back down to a category three at 7am after it has made landfall before downgrading to a tropical low as it tracks inland. The bureau warns that it could reform after it reaches the Coral Sea, east of Cairns.
“Over the weekend, Owen is expected to track across the northern interior of Queensland and possibly emerge off the Queensland east coast during Sunday or Monday,” the Bureau said on its website.
“Given there is the potential for the system to move offshore in a marginally conducive environment for development, Owen is currently rated a moderate chance of reforming into a tropical cyclone on Sunday or Monday.”
RACQ is warning motorists to not take any risks.
“Heavy rain can impact road conditions in an instant, and so we’re urging motorists to stay safe and think smart, never to drive though floodwaters and delay travel if they can,” RACQ’s Clare Hunter said.
Telstra regional general manager Rachel Cliffe said the company had been preparing for months for cyclone season.
“If disaster strikes, we will … work with emergency and essential service organisations to restore any impacted services as quickly as possible,” she said.
Anyone in a life-threatening situation can call 000 and for the SES, call 13 25 00.