Qld Preparing for Onslaught of Tropical Cyclone Yasi

As though Queensland hasn't experienced enough extreme weather of late, Cyclone Yasi is on a relentless path towards to the north coast and people in its path need to prepare - evacuation south has been highly recommended for people in areas listed below.

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology has broadcast the following Cyclone WARNING, which is current for coastal areas from Cooktown to Sarina and a cyclone WATCH for coastal areas from Lockhart River to Cooktown and Sarina to Yeppoon and for the northern tropical interior:

TOP PRIORITY TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVICE NUMBER 6

At 1:00 pm EST Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi, Category 3 was estimated to be 1120 kilometres east northeast of Cairns and 1110 kilometres east northeast of Townsville moving west at 34 kilometres per hour.

YASI IS A LARGE AND POWERFUL TROPICAL CYCLONE AND POSES A SERIOUS THREAT TO NORTH QUEENSLAND COMMUNITIES

The cyclone is expected to slowly intensify overnight as it moves westwards over the Coral Sea.

SEVERE TROPICAL CYCLONE YASI, CATEGORY 3 is expected to turn on a more west-southwesterly direction in the next 12 hours.

DAMAGING winds with gusts to 90 km/hr are expected to develop on the islands during Wednesday morning, then extend onto the coast during the day, and further
inland across southern Cape York Peninsula and north of Charters Towers overnight.

Between Cooktown and Townsville these winds will become DESTRUCTIVE with gusts in excess of 125km/hr late Wednesday afternoon.

As the centre approaches the coast sea levels will rise above the normal tide with damaging waves and flooding of low lying areas near the shoreline.

Flooding rains will develop from Cooktown to Sarina during Wednesday afternoon and then extend inland overnight.

People between Cooktown and Sarina should immediately commence or continue preparations, especially securing boats and property [using available daylight hours/before nightfall].

Visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au for more information on preparedness and safety advice for Cyclones.

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].

Please ensure that neighbours have heard and understood this message, particularly new arrivals or those who may not fully understand English.

 

Deputy Police Commissioner Ian Stewart says he is happy with the evacuation efforts so far, but is warning residents in affected areas to get out by tonight, with conditions likely to be too dangerous for travel from 8:00am tomorrow (Wednesday 2 February).

"We're very, very pleased that a large number of people have determined to self-evacuate out of the danger areas by driving out and taking their families with them," he said.

"Townsville is going to experience, on current modelling, the equivalent of a low category two cyclone all the way down to about Home Hill.

"We're advised Mackay will experience similar conditions to a category one, so in reality we would like people to get as far south as possible, but Mackay is a target area for complete safety."

Deputy Commissioner Stewart says he expects to get confirmation from local councils that an enforced emergency evacuation will be implemented today.

He says anyone foolish enough to venture out during the height of the cyclone will be left to fend for themselves.

"At about 8:00am tomorrow, on current predictions, it will become dangerous to be driving about or walking about or doing anything outside due to the force of the winds," he said.

"It's standard practice that all emergency services workers get to a point where they actually shelter in place too because we don't want them to put their lives at risk.

"We need them to be available after the danger has passed.

"If people purposely go out and get into strife and create a high risk, sending emergency services workers out into that environment is not practical or sensible."

All horse and livestock owners need to BE PREPARED - tips for horse and livestock owners in preparation for a severe weather event:

• if possible, in this instance, evacuate horses to an area south of the cyclone area.
• if evacuation is not an option, move animals to safer grounds before any high winds set in, under solid cover if possible.
• Ensure livestock bears some form of identification, such as a brand, so they can be identified and returned should they become displaced.
• Ensure that stock registers are up to date and kept in a safe place.
• Move stock to a safe area before leaving your property for any length of time. Check with your local council and other relevant agencies about emergency animal shelters and yards.

• Secure any loose objects as they can become flying missiles in high winds so ensure the area is clear of clutter, particularly where animals are kept.
• In extreme circumstances, consider opening gates or cutting fences so stock can escape danger and be collected later. 
• Ensure pets are properly identified by name tags and keep emergency phone numbers handy for your vet, local animal welfare agency and pet information and advisory services.
• Plan to have enough food, water and medical needs for your pets. 

For more information on managing animals in disasters, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23, the RSPCA, your local Council or your veterinarian.