Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi has been upgraded to a category 5 system. At 7:00 am EST Cyclone Yasi was estimated to be 555 kilometres east of Cairns and 560 kilometres northeast of Townsville, Queensland.
Further to yesterday’s post on the now extremely dangeous cyclone, Australia Battens Down For Sever Tropical Cyclone Yasi, the Bureau of Meteorology Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre is now warning,
Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi is a large and very powerful tropical cyclone and poses an extremely dangerous threat to life and property with the warning area, especially between Cairns and Townsville.
The Impact is likely to be more life threatening than any experienced during recent generations
Cyclone Yasi is expected to make landfall later tonight, with damaging winds developing along the north coast today. Coastal residents within the warning area, particularly between Cairns and Ayr are being warned of an extremely dangerous storm tide as Cyclone Yasi approaches the coast, makes landfall, and moves inland.
Further, BOM says extremely damaging waves, strong currents and flooding of low-lying areas extending some way inland is likely. People living in areas likely to be affected by this flooding should take measures to protect their property as much as possible, and be prepared to follow instructions regarding evacuation of the area if advised to do so by authorities.
I want to wish all those living in the danger zone all the very best for the next 24 hours or so. Stay safe, and please heed the warnings and advice from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Here is the Forecast Track Map (QLD) for Severe TC Yasi,
Image credit: NASA Goddard / MODIS Rapid Response Team
16 comments… add one