NORTH ON ALERT
Giant storm tracking for Townsville
Models flag Category 3 cyclone Emergency crews ready
TOWNSVILLE is staring g directly y into the eyey of a Categoryg y 3 cycloney forecast to hit the coast late on Monday y afternoon. The Bureau of Meteorology’sgy tracking g map p late y yesterday y showed a tropicalp low would likely y become Categoryg y 1 cycloney Debbie early y this morning g before intensifying.y g It is forecast to start tracking g west towards th the he coast. Townsville City Council will openn alla dumps today for free to encourage residents to clean up their yards.
TOWNSVILLE is staring directly down the eye of a Category 3 cyclone forecast to hit the coast late on Monday afternoon.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology’s tracking map late yesterday, the tropical low was expected to turn into Category 1 Cyclone Debbie early this morning before intensifying. It is forecast to start adopting a more westerly track, towards the coast.
Bureau of Meteorology Queensland meteorologist Michael Paech said some models were showing the cyclone tracking directly towards Townsville.
“I need to highlight the uncertainty but one of the latest models shows it going right over the top of Townsville,” he said.
Mr Paech said the latest models had the cyclone tracking further south than predictions yesterday morning.
“The latest tracking map has slowed it – it’s looking at this stage to hit Monday or maybe early Tuesday,” he said.
“The longer it spends over water, there’s a greater chance for intensification.
“There is a possibility that it will hit south of Townsville.”
Townsville City Council will open all dumps today for free to encourage residents to clean their yards.
Mayor Jenny Hill said council would meet with emergency services at 10am today to discuss the latest tracking of the cyclone.
“At this stage the current modelling would have it somewhere between Townsville and Ayr but that can change,” she said. “People should be cleaning their yards.”
Cr Hill said depending on the severity of the cyclone and where it crosses the coast, Townsville could offer assistance to other regional councils.
“Depending on where it crosses and how bad it is, we could help out,” she said.
Townsville police Inspector Roger Whyte said while the community was resilient, they should not be complacent.
“Take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of yourselves and your families,” Insp Whyte said.
“Do not, under any circumstances, drive through flooded roads and put yourself and other lives in danger.
“Park your car and wait for the flooding to go away.”
Insp Whyte said police had ramped up their preparations.
“We want to make people feel safe,” he said.
“Where they ( itinerants) go will be ratified this morning. Further consultation and best actions in relation to those sort of things ( itinerant issues) will depend on what’s happening.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is also expected to convene the Queensland Disaster Management Committee in Brisbane this morning.
The committee will be briefed by the Bureau of Meteorology, fire and emergency services and police.
“The focus of the meeting, and of my government, will be to ensure our communities are prepared if a cyclone forms, as expected, over the weekend,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Townsville’s Major Al Green said the army would be mobilised if request by the State Government.
“Processes are in place in case we are required,” he said.