Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 10:46 am EST on Monday 11 December 2023

Headline:
Tropical Cyclone Jasper expected to cross the Far North Queensland coast on Wednesday. Cyclone Warning declared between Cooktown and Townsville.

Areas Affected:
Warning Zone
Cooktown to Townsville (not including Townsville), including Cairns, Innisfail, and Palm Island.

Watch Zone
Cape Melville to Cooktown, extending inland to include Palmerville and Chillagoe.

Cancelled Zone
None.

Details of Tropical Cyclone Jasper at 10:00 am AEST [9:30 am ACST]:
Intensity: Category 1, sustained winds near the centre of 85 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 120 kilometres per hour.

Location: within 70 kilometres of 17.7 degrees South 150.4 degrees East, estimated to be 505 kilometres east of Cairns and 420 kilometres east northeast of Townsville.

Movement: west southwest at 19 kilometres per hour.

Tropical Cyclone Jasper remains a category 1 system. It may weaken slightly further today as it tracks in a general westwards direction. Jasper is forecast to re-intensify during Tuesday as it approaches the coast. The system is now forecast to cross as a category 2 system on Wednesday, most likely between Cape Flattery and Cardwell. Jasper will weaken as it moves inland during Thursday towards the Gulf of Carpentaria. If the system is slower and crosses overnight Wednesday or Thursday, a slim chance remains of a severe category 3 crossing.

Hazards:
DAMAGING WINDS with gusts over 90 km/h are expected to develop along the Queensland coast between Cooktown and Townsville, including Cairns, from Tuesday. These DAMAGING WINDS are expected to extend inland to Palmerville and Chillagoe after the cyclone has crossed the coast on Wednesday

DAMAGING WINDS may extend as far north as Cape Melville on Wednesday, depending on the movement of Jasper.

A separate severe weather warning is current for damaging winds for the coast between Ayr and Mackay.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop during Wednesday between Cape Flattery and Cardwell. Six-hourly totals between 100 to 150 mm are likely, with isolated falls of 250 mm possible along the coast and adjacent ranges. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 150 to 250 mm are likely, with isolated falls up to 350 mm possible.

A flood watch is current for the North Tropical Coast, parts of the Cape York Peninsula and Gulf Country.

As the cyclone approaches the coast, a STORM TIDE is expected between Cooktown and Townsville. Large waves may produce minor flooding along the foreshore. 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 help their neighbours.

Recommended Action:
People between Cooktown and Townsville should immediately commence or continue preparations, especially securing boats and property.

- For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit Queensland's Disaster Management Services website (www.disaster.qld.gov.au)

- If you choose to take shelter away from your home, stay COVID-19 safe and pack a mask and hand sanitiser (if you have them).

- For emergency assistance call the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 (for assistance with storm damage, rising flood water, fallen trees on buildings or roof damage).

People between Cape Melville and Cooktown, and inland to Palmerville and Chillagoe, should consider what action they will need to take if the cyclone threat increases.

- Information is available from your local government.

- For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit Queensland's Disaster Management Services website (www.disaster.qld.gov.au).

- For emergency assistance call the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 (for assistance with storm damage, rising flood water, fallen trees on buildings or roof damage).

Current Tropical Cyclones