TC IRIS MENACES COAST
THE slow- moving and “dynamic” threat of Tropical Cyclone Iris caused three North Queensland ports to close yesterday.
Port of Townsville remained open with the city missing the impacts of the Category 2 sys- tem but Abbot Point, Port of Mackay and Port of Hay Point were all closed. There is a possibility of 60- 100mm of rain for Mackay, with potential wind gusts exceeding 90km/ h.
TOWNSVILLE will miss the wrath of Cyclone Iris but North Queensland remains on alert.
Today, the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a possible shower but nothing compared with further south. There is a possibility of 60- 100mm of rain for Mackay, with potential wind gusts exceeding 90km/ h.
Ports along the coast are on high alert and have already shut operations.
A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said the tropical cyclone situation was “dynamic”, with the Port of Abbot Point at Bowen closing at noon yesterday, the Port of Mackay and Port of Hay Point also closing.
The Port of Townsville remains operational.
“We understand the impact these closures have on port operations and will regularly review conditions,” the spokesperson said.
While slow- moving, Tropical Cyclone Iris had shifted south as of 5pm yesterday, with the cyclone warning cancelled for Ayr to Bowen; Yeppoon is now included in the warning zone.
TC Iris was still classified a Category 2 system Tuesday night, and was located 320km east- northeast of Townsville and 365km north of Mackay.
“Tropical Cyclone Iris is expected to continue moving southeast, parallel to the Queensland coast, for the next two days and may intensify further during this period,” the Bureau of Meteorology warned.
“On Thursday the cyclone should slow down and begin to weaken.
“It may reverse direction and adopt a track to the northwest overnight Thursday or on Friday.
“The cyclone is not expected to cross the Queensland coast in the short to medium term, but may approach the coast close enough to produce significant impacts.”