Flood information - links

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20038.html

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND
for DAMAGING WIND and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in parts of the
SOUTHERN DOWNS and
SCENIC RIM Council Areas.

Issued at 6:53 pm Sunday, 15 December 2013.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 6:40 pm, very dangerous thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near the NSW border and the area south of the NSW border. These thunderstorms are moving towards the north. Very dangerous thunderstorms are forecast to affect Mount Barney, Rathdowney and Maroon Dam by 7:10 pm and Moogerah, Kooralbyn and the area south of Cunninghams Gap by 7:40 pm.

Damaging winds and large hailstones are likely.

===========

My own observations of the radar suggest that this is a very serious hail front.  Be alert .. this is very dangerous ..

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20038.html

IDQ20038
Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland Regional Office

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND
for DAMAGING WIND and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in parts of the
GYMPIE and
SUNSHINE COAST Council Areas.

Issued at 2:34 pm Friday, 27 December 2013.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 2:35 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near the area south of Gympie. These thunderstorms are moving towards the northeast. They are forecast to affect Gympie by 3:05 pm and possibly the area the area northeast of Gympie and Goomboorian by 3:35 pm.

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20041.html

IDQ20041
Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland Regional Office

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
for DAMAGING WIND and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in parts of the
Central Highlands and Coalfields and
Southeast Coast Forecast Districts.

Issued at 3:00 pm Sunday, 29 December 2013.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones over the next several hours in parts of the Southeast Coast district. Locations which may be affected include Gold Coast, Boonah and Beenleigh.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields district. Locations which may be affected include Taroom, Rolleston, Springsure and Carnarvon National Park.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Darling Downs and Granite Belt district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20041.html

IDQ20041
Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland Regional Office

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
for DAMAGING WIND and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in the
Southeast Coast and parts of the
Central Highlands and Coalfields,
Wide Bay and Burnett and
Darling Downs and Granite Belt Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:32 pm Sunday, 29 December 2013.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones over the next several hours in the Southeast Coast and parts of the Wide Bay and Burnett and Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts. Locations which may be affected include Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Coolangatta, Ipswich, Moreton Bay and islands, Boonah, Beenleigh, Oakey, Caboolture and Crows Nest.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields district. Locations which may be affected include Taroom, Rolleston, Springsure, Mantuan Downs and Carnarvon National Park.

[techblitz]

Seems to be a storm building over mt cootha atm

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20038.html

IDQ20038
Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland Regional Office

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND
for DESTRUCTIVE WIND and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in the CHERBOURG SHIRE and parts of the LOCKYER VALLEY, GYMPIE, IPSWICH CITY, SOUTHERN DOWNS, SCENIC RIM, SOUTH BURNETT and TOOWOOMBA Council Areas.

Issued at 3:46 pm Tuesday, 31 December 2013.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 3:45 pm, very dangerous thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Kingaroy and Maryvale. These thunderstorms are moving towards the north. Very dangerous thunderstorms are forecast to affect the area northeast of Kingaroy and Cherbourg by 4:15 pm and Laidley and Goomeri by 4:45 pm.

Destructive winds and large hailstones are likely.

3cm hail reported at Kingaroy at 3:30pm.
Golf ball size hail reported to the south of Kingaroy at 3:45pm

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20038.html

DQ20038
Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland Regional Office

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND
for DAMAGING WIND

For people in parts of the BRISBANE CITY, MORETON BAY, SOMERSET, SOUTH BURNETT and TOOWOOMBA Council Areas.

Issued at 6:05 pm Friday, 3 January 2014.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 6:05 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Kingaroy, Highvale, Cooyar and Lake Manchester. These thunderstorms are moving towards the northeast. They are forecast to affect Brisbane CBD, Strathpine, Kingaroy and the area south of Kingaroy by 6:25 pm.

[bcasey]

Pretty heavy storm coming in over the city right now, got a great view of it from my office near the river.

http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR663.loop.shtml

[ozbob]

Pretty heavy storm coming in over the city right now, got a great view of it from my office near the river.

http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR663.loop.shtml

Indeed ...

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20041.html

IDQ20041
Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland Regional Office

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
for DAMAGING WIND

For people in parts of the
Central Highlands and Coalfields,
Wide Bay and Burnett,
Darling Downs and Granite Belt and
Southeast Coast Forecast Districts.

Issued at 7:26 pm Tuesday, 21 January 2014.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Toowoomba, Dalby, Ipswich, Oakey, Chinchilla and Miles.

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20038.html

IDQ20038
Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland Regional Office

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND
for DAMAGING WIND, HEAVY RAINFALL and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in parts of the
GYMPIE,
SUNSHINE COAST and
SOMERSET Council Areas.

Issued at 1:43 pm Wednesday, 22 January 2014.

Thunderstorms are moving towards the northeast. They are forecast to affect Kenilworth, Borumba Dam and Imbil by 2:15 pm and Cooroy and Kandanga by 2:45 pm.

Damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones are likely.

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20038.html

IDQ20038
Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland Regional Office
TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND
for DAMAGING WIND, HEAVY RAINFALL and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in parts of the
LOGAN CITY,
IPSWICH CITY and
SCENIC RIM Council Areas.

Issued at 3:14 pm Wednesday, 22 January 2014.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 3:10 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Harrisville. These thunderstorms are slow moving. They are forecast to affect Peak Crossing by 3:40 pm and the area south of Amberley by 4:10 pm.

Damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones are likely.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Nine News Brisbane ‏@9NewsBrisbane 2m

WEATHER: Large hail has fallen south west of Ipswich (PIC via Higgins Storm Chasing) http://t.co/9l7CTZY9Gs

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20041.html

IDQ20041
Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland Regional Office

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
for DAMAGING WIND and HEAVY RAINFALL

For people in parts of the
Wide Bay and Burnett,
Darling Downs and Granite Belt and
Southeast Coast Forecast Districts.

Issued at 3:06 pm Thursday, 23 January 2014.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Toowoomba, Brisbane, Dalby, Ipswich, Kingaroy, Beenleigh, Oakey, Yarraman and Chinchilla.

55mm has been reported at Toowoomba in 60 minutes.
113km/h gust has been reported at Oakey at 3pm.

[ozbob]

BOM Radar 5.02pm 23rd January 2014 http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR663.shtml

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Coral Sea tropical cyclone tipped to develop 40 years after Brisbane's 1974 Australia Day floods

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> The courage and heartbreak of 1974 floods remembered

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/cyclone.shtml

Tropical Cyclone 3-day outlook for The Coral Sea

IDQ10810
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland

Tropical Cyclone Three Day Outlook for the Coral Sea
Issued at 2:47 pm EST on Sunday 26 January 2014
for the period until midnight EST Wednesday 29 January 2014.

Existing Cyclones in the  Eastern Region:

Nil.

Potential Cyclones: 

The monsoon trough extends from Papua New Guinea to the Solomon Islands, with
an area of low pressure located southwest of the Solomon Islands. The monsoon
is expected to strengthen early next week. It is likely that with the
intensification of the monsoon trough, the low will develop further, however
the uncertainty with its future movement is high.

Likelihood of a tropical cyclone in the Eastern Region on:
Monday          Low       
Tuesday         Moderate   
Wednesday       High       



NOTES: The likelihood is an estimate of the chance of each system being a
tropical cyclone in the Region for each day.
Very Low:     less than 5%                 Moderate:     20 to 50%
Low:          5% to 20%                    High:         over  50%

The area of coverage for this outlook is the Coral Sea and northern Tasman Sea
west of 160E.

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDQ65002.shtml

TROPICAL CYCLONE FORECAST TRACK MAP

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20023.txt

TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVICE NUMBER 12
Issued at 5:07 am EST on Thursday 30 January 2014

A Cyclone WARNING remains current for coastal and island communities from
Cardwell to St Lawrence.
The Cyclone WARNING between Cairns and Cardwell has been CANCELLED.

The Cyclone WATCH for communities through the eastern interior including
Charters Towers and Moranbah has been CANCELLED.

At 4:00 am EST a Tropical Low was estimated to be 365 kilometres northeast of
Townsville and 375 kilometres north northeast of Proserpine and moving west
southwest at 12 kilometres per hour towards the coast.

The tropical low is expected to move in a general southwest direction and
develop before crossing the Queensland coast between Lucinda and Proserpine on
Friday morning ...

More --> http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20023.txt

[ozbob]

http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/AboutUs/MediaCentre/MediaReleases/Pages/QueenslandRailpreparingforcyclonethreateningNorthQueenslandCoast.aspx

Queensland Rail preparing for cyclone threatening North Queensland Coast

30/01/2014

As North Queensland prepares for the possible formation of a cyclone later today, Queensland Rail has activated its emergency plan to ensure the safety of its staff and customers.

At around 2pm, the rail line will be closed between Rollingstone and Proserpine, including all traffic in and out of the Port of Townsville, as a precautionary measure.

Executive General Manager Network Tim Ripper said: "We are monitoring conditions closely and using our experience from previous years to prepare for the cyclone".

"We've got crews out on the ground securing boom gates in the upright position and arranging for trains to be stowed on higher ground," Mr Ripper said.

"The southbound Sunlander service will be allowed to pass through Townsville at about 2pm before we close the 350km section of track in North Queensland.

"Given the size of the system, we are expecting between 300-400ml of rain.

"Some sections of the track may experience flooding and we are putting safety first before the cyclone hits.

"We will continue to watch the situation closely and keep customers updated."

Please check www.queenslandrail.com.au or call 1800 TRAINS for further information.

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDQ65002.shtml

TROPICAL CYCLONE FORECAST TRACK MAP
Tropical Cyclone Dylan
Issued at 5:27 pm EST Thursday 30 January 2014. Refer to Tropical Cyclone Advice Number 16.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Homes will be built on flood plains: Lord Mayor Graham Quirk

This just confirms how far off the planet this council is ...

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDQ65002.shtml



TROPICAL CYCLONE FORECAST TRACK MAP
Tropical Low
Issued at 5:19 pm EST Saturday 8 March 2014. Refer to Tropical Cyclone Advice Number 6.

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20032.html

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING
for HEAVY RAINFALL

For people in the Wide Bay and Burnett, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Southeast Coast and parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields and Maranoa and Warrego Forecast Districts.

Issued at 5:02 am Thursday, 27 March 2014.

Synoptic Situation:

A developing surface trough extends from the central interior into the central Darling Downs. The trough is forecast to drift slowly south during today, before crossing southeastern districts on Friday. A deep moist east to northeast flow will extend from the Coral Sea, across southeastern districts, and into the trough.

Rain areas, currently extending through districts to the east of the trough, are expected to develop further in the next 24 hours. Heavy rain, which may lead to flash flooding, is expected to develop during today through the Wide Bay and Burnett, southeastern Central Highlands and Coalfields, the eastern Maranoa and Warrego and the Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts. Heavy rainfall areas are likely to extend to the Southeast Coast district during the afternoon and evening. 24 hour totals of 50 to 150mm are likely, with some isolated heavier falls expected.

Locations which may be affected include Gold Coast, Brisbane, Ipswich, Maroochydore, Warwick, Toowoomba, Dalby, Stanthorpe, Goondiwindi, Gympie, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Taroom, Kingaroy and St George.

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> Roads close as more than 100mm of rain falls in five hours



Subway Ave in Pomona has been flooded.
Alexia Purcell

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20038.html

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND
for HEAVY RAINFALL

For people in the BRISBANE CITY, GOLD COAST CITY, LOCKYER VALLEY, LOGAN CITY, MORETON BAY, IPSWICH CITY, SCENIC RIM, SOMERSET, TOOWOOMBA, REDLAND CITY, North Stradbroke Island and parts of the DALBY, SOUTHERN DOWNS and SOUTH BURNETT Council Areas.

Issued at 9:01 am Sunday, 30 March 2014.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.

Locations which may be affected include Brisbane CBD, Ipswich, Coolangatta, Warwick, Boonah, Beaudesert, Beenleigh, Logan City, Laidley, Gatton, Toowoomba, Cleveland, Strathpine, Esk, Redcliffe, Dalby, Caboolture and Kilcoy.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Hahahaha. Drizzle. A flood warning for drizzle. Okay then.

[ozbob]

Hahahaha. Drizzle. A flood warning for drizzle. Okay then.

Some localised heavy falls.  The Gympie Lander was held heavy rain Traveston for a while during a heavy down pour up there ..

Brisbanetimes --> Four rescued from flooded creek as storms dump rain on SE Qld

[HappyTrainGuy]

But those sorts of places always flood if there is any decent rain. Getting texts/emails at 9-10ish and alerts saying "TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST" for possible flash flooding could occur from the border to Gympie over the next few hours is stupid all because of that storm that passed through Brisbane with little warning from authorities. And having the media reporting the same things over and over again blowing things way out of proportion also doesn't help.

"Mr Dutschke said flash flooding was expected in Brisbane's north west on Sunday afternoon, though the CBD and south east should escape any significant deluge."
Hmmmm. If you say so mate.

[ozbob]

Yo I hear you HTG.  There is a trend to ' over warn '  ...  they work on the theory I guess that maximum warnings to provide maximum protection against litigation etc.  Storms, winds, floods flash or otherwise have always been part of life here as long as I recall.

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2014/4/2/flood-mitigation-infrastructure-options-revealed

JOINT STATEMENT
Premier
The Honourable Campbell Newman

Minister for Energy and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark McArdle
Wednesday, April 02, 2014

Flood mitigation infrastructure options revealed

The Queensland Government will consider increasing the size of Wivenhoe Dam and constructing a number of new dams to lessen the impact of future major floods.

It follows the announcement to change the way the dam operates in times of extreme weather to release more water to prevent widespread downstream flooding.

Premier Campbell Newman said the locations of eight new dams had been identified which would potentially protect thousands of homes and businesses.

"This is very early days and I stress to those landowners in the areas affected that there is a lot of work that needs to be undertaken before any plans are implemented," Mr Newman said.

"But it is our duty to do whatever work we can to investigate all possible options."

Possible new dam sites include the upper Brisbane River (near Linville), the Cooyar Creek (near Benarkin National Park), Emu Creek (near Harlin), the Bremer River (near Mt Walker), the Stanley River (near Peachester), Tenterhill Creek (near Gatton), Lockyer Creek (near Murphy's Creek) and Cressbrook Creek (near Kipper).

A scoping study will also take place to look at raising bridge levels below Wivenhoe Dam.

Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle said the Government would consider practical, sensible and affordable ways to protect more people from future floods.

"Unlike Labor, this Government is very upfront and honest about the trade-offs people should expect in managing future flood events in order to provide greater flood protection for more local homes and businesses," Mr McArdle said.

"This Government has already moved-on from simply thinking about how to reduce downstream flood risks to engaging in a public discussion about how we can build-in greater flood mitigation for more peoples' homes.

"Before the next wet season, south east Queensland residents should have confidence in the fact that if there is a flood event, dam operating decisions will always place greatest value in life, then people's homes, businesses and livelihood – and then public roads and bridges."

Mr McArdle said the Wivenhoe and Somerset Dams would be upgraded over the next ten years as part of Seqwater's ongoing dam improvement program.

[ENDS] 2 April 2014

[HappyTrainGuy]

Yo I hear you HTG.  There is a trend to ' over warn '  ...  they work on the theory I guess that maximum warnings to provide maximum protection against litigation etc.  Storms, winds, floods flash or otherwise have always been part of life here as long as I recall.

But the downside to over warning is that you can end up with the boy crying wolf story which I must admit I now tend to do with these SMS alerts since the service first started.

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20041.html

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
for DAMAGING WIND and HEAVY RAINFALL

For people in parts of the
Maranoa and Warrego,
Darling Downs and Granite Belt and
Southeast Coast Forecast Districts.

Issued at 11:50 am Sunday, 6 April 2014.

Severe thunderstorms may produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Gold Coast, Coolangatta, St George, Stanthorpe and Boonah.

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20023.txt

IDQ20023
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland
Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre

Media: The Standard Emergency Warning Signal should NOT be used with this
warning.

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVICE NUMBER 5
Issued at 4:33 am EST on Thursday 10 April 2014

A Cyclone WARNING has been declared for coastal areas from Cape Grenville to
Cape Tribulation.

A Cyclone WATCH remains current for coastal areas from Cape Tribulation to
Cairns, extending up to 200 kilometres inland to areas including Kalinga,
Laura, Palmerville, and Chillagoe.

At 4:00 am EST Severe Tropical Cyclone Ita, Category 3, was estimated to be
600 kilometres east northeast of Lockhart River and
580 kilometres northeast of Cooktown, and
moving west at 14 kilometres per hour.

SEVERE TROPICAL CYCLONE ITA, CATEGORY 3, is expected to turn in a more
west-southwestward direction today and continue moving towards the far north
Queensland coast, while intensifying.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Ita poses a significant threat to communities along the
far north Queensland coast and at this stage it is expected to approach the
coast between Lockhart River and Cape Flattery and make landfall late on Friday
as a SEVERE CATEGORY 4 TROPICAL CYCLONE with VERY DESTRUCTIVE WINDS near the
core and GALES extending some distance from the landfall location.

GALES currently extend 220 kilometres out from the centre and may develop
between Cape Grenville and Cape Tribulation late tonight or early on Friday.

GALES may extend southward to Cairns and inland to areas such as Kalinga,
Palmerville, Laura, and Chillagoe late on Friday as the system moves further
south and over land.

Coastal residents between Cape Sidmouth and Cape Tribulation are specifically
warned of the dangerous storm tide as the cyclone crosses the coast. The sea is
likely to rise steadily up to a level which will be significantly above the
normal tide, with damaging waves, strong currents and flooding of low-lying
areas extending some way inland. 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 the authorities.

Very heavy rain, which may lead to flash flooding, is expected to develop about
the Peninsula and North Tropical Coast and Tablelands districts late on
Thursday and persist into the weekend.

People between Cape Grenville and Cape Tribulation 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)
- 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 Tribulation and Cairns and those in adjacent inland
communities such as Kalinga, Palmerville, Laura, and Chillagoe should consider
what action they will need to take if the cyclone threat increases and listen
to the next advice at 8am EST.
- 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).

Details of Severe Tropical Cyclone Ita at 4:00 am EST:
.Centre located near...... 11.5 degrees South 148.7 degrees East
.Location accuracy........ within 20 kilometres
.Recent movement.......... towards the west at 14 kilometres per hour
.Wind gusts near centre... 220 kilometres per hour
.Severity category........ 3
.Central pressure......... 959 hectoPascals

The next advice will be issued by 8:00 am EST Thursday 10 April.

This warning is also available through TV and Radio Broadcasts; the Bureau's
website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 212.  The Bureau and the State
Emergency Service would appreciate this warning being broadcast regularly.

A map showing the track of the cyclone is available at:
http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone

[ozbob]

Note:  Ita is now cat 5 cyclone ...

=====================

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20023.txt

IDQ20023
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland
Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre

Media: The Standard Emergency Warning Signal should NOT be used with this
warning.

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVICE NUMBER 9
Issued at 4:54 pm EST on Thursday 10 April 2014

A Cyclone WARNING is current for coastal areas from Lockhart River to Cairns,
and extending inland to areas including Kalinga, Laura, Palmerville and Mareeba.

A Cyclone WATCH is current for coastal areas from Cairns to Cardwell, and
extending inland to areas including Chillagoe.

The Cyclone WARNING from Cape Grenville to Lockhart River has been cancelled.

At 4:00 pm EST Severe Tropical Cyclone Ita, Category 5, was estimated to be
375 kilometres north northeast of Cooktown and
325 kilometres northeast of Cape Melville, and
moving west southwest at 18 kilometres per hour.

SEVERE TROPICAL CYCLONE ITA, CATEGORY 5, is expected to move in a general
southwest direction towards the far north Queensland coast tonight and into
Friday, while possibly intensifying further.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Ita poses a significant threat to communities along the
far north Queensland coast and at this stage it is expected to approach the
coast between Cape Melville and Cape Tribulation and make landfall late on
Friday as a SEVERE CATEGORY 5 TROPICAL CYCLONE with VERY DESTRUCTIVE WINDS near
the core and GALES extending some distance from the landfall location.

DESTRUCTIVE WINDS currently extend 80 kilometres out from the centre and may
develop between Cape Sidmouth and Cooktown from as early as Friday morning
before extending inland to Laura and further south to Cape Tribulation and
possibly Port Douglas later in the day.
GALES extend 190 kilometres out from the centre and may develop between
Lockhart RIver and Cape Tribulation from as early as late tonight before
extending further south to Innisfail and inland to Kalinga, Palmerville, Laura,
and Chillagoe later in the day as the system moves closer to the coast and over
land.

Coastal residents between Cape Melville and Cape Tribulation are specifically
warned of the dangerous storm tide as the cyclone crosses the coast late
Friday. The sea is likely to rise steadily up to a level which will be
significantly above the normal tide, with damaging waves, strong currents and
flooding of low-lying areas extending some way inland. 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 the authorities.

Very heavy rain, which may lead to flash flooding, is expected to develop about
parts of the Peninsula and North Tropical Coast and Tablelands districts
tonight and persist into the weekend.

Details of Severe Tropical Cyclone Ita at 4:00 pm EST:
.Centre located near...... 12.6 degrees South 147.0 degrees East
.Location accuracy........ within 15 kilometres
.Recent movement.......... towards the west southwest at 18 kilometres per hour
.Wind gusts near centre... 285 kilometres per hour
.Severity category........ 5
.Central pressure......... 935 hectoPascals

The next advice will be issued by 8:00 pm EST Thursday 10 April.

This warning is also available through TV and Radio Broadcasts; the Bureau's
website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 212.  The Bureau and the State
Emergency Service would appreciate this warning being broadcast regularly.

A map showing the track of the cyclone is available at:
http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone

[ozbob]

http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20023.txt

IDQ20023
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland
Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre

Media: Transmitters serving the area between Cape Melville and Cooktown are
requested to USE the Standard Emergency Warning Signal before broadcasting the
following warning.

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVICE NUMBER 13
Issued at 3:00 am EST on Friday 11 April 2014

A Cyclone WARNING is current for coastal areas from Lockhart River to Innisfail
including Cooktown, Port Douglas and Cairns, and extending inland to areas
including Kalinga, Palmerville, Mareeba and Chillagoe.

A Cyclone WATCH is current for coastal areas from Innisfail to Cardwell, and
extending to adjacent inland areas.

At 3:00 am EST Severe Tropical Cyclone Ita, Category 5, was estimated to be
265 kilometres north northeast of Cooktown and
410 kilometres north of Cairns, and
moving southwest at 12 kilometres per hour.

SEVERE TROPICAL CYCLONE ITA, CATEGORY 5, poses a serious threat to communities
along the far north Queensland coast. It is expected to move southwest and make
landfall between Cape Melville and Cape Tribulation later today as a SEVERE
CATEGORY 5 TROPICAL CYCLONE with VERY DESTRUCTIVE WINDS near the core and GALES
extending out to 200km from the landfall location.

DESTRUCTIVE WINDS may develop between Cape Melville and Cooktown from late
morning before extending inland to Laura and further south to Cape Tribulation
and possibly Port Douglas later in the day.
GALES may develop between Lockhart RIver and Cape Tribulation later this
morning before extending further south to Innisfail and inland to Kalinga,
Palmerville, and Laura, and Chillagoe later in the day as the system moves
closer to the coast and over land.

Coastal residents between Cape Melville and Cape Tribulation including Cooktown
are specifically warned of the dangerous storm tide as the cyclone crosses the
coast later today. The sea is likely to rise steadily up to a level which will
be significantly above the normal tide, with damaging waves, strong currents
and flooding of low-lying areas extending some way inland. 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 the authorities.
Coastal residents between Innisfail and Port Douglas, including Cairns should
monitor the situation in case the cyclone takes a more southerly track than
expected.

Very heavy rain, which may lead to flash flooding, is expected to develop about
parts of the Peninsula and North Tropical Coast and Tablelands districts today
and persist into the weekend.


People between Lockhart River and Innisfail and adjacent inland areas including
Laura, Kalinga, Palmerville, Mareeba and Chillagoe 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)
- 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 Innisfail and Cardwell and adjacent inland areas should consider
what action they will need to take if the cyclone threat increases and listen
to the next advice at 4am EST.
- 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).

Details of Severe Tropical Cyclone Ita at 3:00 am EST:
.Centre located near...... 13.2 degrees South 146.0 degrees East
.Location accuracy........ within 30 kilometres
.Recent movement.......... towards the southwest at 12 kilometres per hour
.Wind gusts near centre... 295 kilometres per hour
.Severity category........ 5
.Central pressure......... 929 hectoPascals

The next advice will be issued by 4:00 am EST Friday 11 April.

This warning is also available through TV and Radio Broadcasts; the Bureau's
website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 212.  The Bureau and the State
Emergency Service would appreciate this warning being broadcast regularly.

A map showing the track of the cyclone is available at:
http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone

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http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/AboutUs/MediaCentre/MediaReleases/Pages/CycloneIta-Statement1.aspx

Cyclone Ita - Statement 1

11/04/2014

Queensland Rail has begun emergency preparations as north Queensland prepares for the arrival of Cyclone Ita, expected to cross the coast later this evening as a category 5.

At approximately 6.15am today Queensland Rail closed the network north of Purono – near Townsville – as a precautionary measure.

From 7am, Queensland Rail activated its emergency plan to ensure the safety of its staff and customers, including safely securing boomgates in the upright position, disabling crossings and arranging for trains to be stowed on higher ground.

Kuranda services have been cancelled until Sunday.

All northbound passenger services will terminate in Townsville today and tomorrow. The southbound Sunlander will depart from Townsville on Saturday, and the Spirit of Queensland will now also depart from Townsville on Saturday instead of the timetabled service on Sunday.

Queensland Rail is working with customers to arrange alternate travel arrangements where necessary, and with freight operators to manage the safe operation of their services.

At this stage the severe weather warning is in place for communities along the far north Queensland coast. Cyclone Ita is expected to move southwest to south southwest and make landfall between Cape Melville and Cooktown.

Queensland Rail is supporting Queensland Disaster Management Arrangements at state and district level to keep all stakeholders informed and provide support services as required.

Queensland Rail will continue to watch the situation closely and keep customers informed.

For more detailed travel service information check queenslandrailtravel.com.au or call 1800 TRAINS (872 467).

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