Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 8:58 pm EST on Thursday 25 January 2024
Headline:

Severe Tropical Cyclone Kirrily is crossing the coast just northwest of Townsville.
Areas Affected:
Warning Zone

Innisfail to Bowen, not including Bowen, including Townsville and extending inland to Charters Towers.
Watch Zone

None.
Cancelled Zone

Mackay to Bowen.
Details of Severe Tropical Cyclone Kirrily at 9:00 pm AEST:

Intensity: Category 3, sustained winds near the centre of 120 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 165 kilometres per hour.

Location: within 20 kilometres of 19.0 degrees South 146.7 degrees East, estimated to be 30 kilometres north northwest of Townsville and 180 kilometres south southeast of Innisfail.

Movement: west southwest at 25 kilometres per hour.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Kirrily is tracking generally west southwest and is crossing just to the northwest of Townsville as a Category 3 system. Kirrily will then weaken as it moves inland.

From Friday, the system is likely to track further inland as a tropical low, resulting in heavy to intense rain and possible damaging winds to parts of the northern interior and western Queensland.
Hazards:

GALES with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS to 120 km/h are occurring on the coast and offshore islands between Cardwell and Bowen, including Townsville. GALES with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS to 120 km/h may extend north between Cardwell to Innisfail tonight if the system takes a track further north.

DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS to 155 km/h are occurring about coastal and island communities between Ayr and Cardwell.

VERY DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS to 170 km/hr may occur near the centre as Kirrily crosses the coast.

GALES with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS to 90 km/h are expected to extend to inland areas including Charters Towers tonight and into Friday morning.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING has developed about coastal areas and nearby inland between Tully and Bowen and will spread further inland overnight tonight and during Friday. INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible near the track of the system. Flood watches and warnings are current for these areas.

During Friday, the system is expected to become a tropical low and HEAVY RAINFALL is forecast to develop across the northern interior and western Queensland into the weekend as the system tracks inland. A Severe Weather Warning is also current for inland areas.

As the system approaches and crosses the coast, a STORM TIDE is expected between Townsville and Alva Beach. 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 Innisfail to Cardwell, Ayr to Bowen and extending inland to Charters Towers, should remain inside until the cyclone has passed and listen to the next advice.

- 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 Cardwell and Ayr, including Townsville and Ingham should complete preparations quickly and be prepared to shelter in a safe place.

- 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).

- Boats and outside property should be secured.

- 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 in the path of the dangerous cyclone should stay calm and remain in a secure shelter while the destructive or very destructive winds continue.

- Do not venture outside if you find yourself in the eye of the cyclone - destructive or very destructive winds from a different direction could resume at any time.

- Heed the advice and follow the instructions of Police, Emergency Services personnel and local authorities.

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