As North Queenslanders brace for Tropical Cyclone Jasper, forecasters are warning of the possibility of a category three storm.
Tropical Cyclone Jasper Threatens North Queensland With Devastating Impact
Tropical Cyclone Jasper poses a significant threat to North Queensland, with potentially devastating impacts. As the cyclone approaches the Queensland coast, it is expected to bring heavy rain, flash flooding, intense winds, and storm tides.
Upgraded to a category two system, damaging wind gusts could develop as early as this afternoon and evening, with destructive gusts reaching up to 140kph by Wednesday morning. In addition to the wind, heavy rainfall exceeding 400mm is possible, increasing the risk of flash flooding and riverine flooding.
Residents in Far North Queensland have been advised to make necessary preparations, including assembling emergency kits with essential supplies and tuning into local radio for updates as power outages are expected.
The impact of Tropical Cyclone Jasper extends beyond the immediate threat, as Cairns Airport will be closed and secured, and mainland and island national parks and protected areas between Mackay and Cape Melville have been closed. Understanding the factors influencing the cyclone’s path, as well as the forecasted trajectory and intensity, is crucial for preparedness measures.
Key Takeaways
- Tropical Cyclone Jasper is forecasted to bring heavy rain, flash flooding, intense winds, and storm tides to north Queensland.
- Residents in Far North Queensland should have already started preparations for the cyclone, including creating emergency kits and securing essential supplies.
- The cyclone has been re-upgraded to a category two system as it approaches the Queensland coast, with damaging wind gusts and heavy rainfall expected.
- Cairns Airport will be shut down and secured and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has closed all mainland and island national parks and protected areas between Mackay and Cape Melville.
Impact of Tropical Cyclone Jasper
The impact of Tropical Cyclone Jasper on North Queensland is expected to be severe, with heavy rain, flash flooding, intense winds, and storm tides forecasted. The cyclone, which has been re-upgraded to a category two system, is approaching the Queensland coast, and damaging wind gusts could develop as early as this afternoon and evening.
Areas between Cape Flattery and Townsville may experience these gusts, while destructive wind gusts up to 140kph are possible between Wujal Wujal and Innisfail from Wednesday morning. In addition to the strong winds, heavy rainfall with daily totals exceeding 400mm is possible, leading to flash flooding and riverine flooding.
Residents in Far North Queensland are advised to have emergency kits prepared, including ample water supply, food, medication, torches, and battery-operated radios. Cairns Airport will be shut down and secured, and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has closed all mainland and island national parks and protected areas between Mackay and Cape Melville.
Preparation and Closures
With the severe impact of Tropical Cyclone Jasper imminent, residents in Far North Queensland have begun making necessary preparations and adhering to closure measures. It is crucial for residents to have emergency kits containing essential items such as medication, ample water supply, food, torches, and a battery-operated radio.
The ABC Far North radio station (106.7 in Cairns) should be tuned in for updates as power outages are expected. While supermarkets in Cairns have experienced high demand for essential items, panic buying is discouraged and residents are reminded to only buy a few days’ worth of food to ensure there is enough for everyone.
In terms of closures, Cairns Airport will be shut down and secured, with the last flight departing for Melbourne before 8:00 pm. Additionally, all mainland and island national parks and protected areas between Mackay and Cape Melville have been closed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
Factors Influencing Tropical Cyclone Jasper’s Path
Several factors play a significant role in determining the path of Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Atmospheric pressure systems, such as high and low-pressure systems, can steer the cyclone in different directions.
Wind patterns, including the trade winds and jet streams, can either push or pull the cyclone along its path. Ocean currents, such as the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef, can provide energy and intensify the cyclone.
The presence of land masses can also alter the course of the cyclone, causing it to veer away or make landfall. Lastly, the Coriolis effect, which is the deflection of air due to the rotation of the Earth, can influence the cyclone’s direction.
Understanding these factors is crucial in predicting the path and potential impact of Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
Forecasted Path of Tropical Cyclone Jasper
The forecasted path of Tropical Cyclone Jasper indicates the potential trajectory and impact of the cyclone on North Queensland. The cyclone is currently a category two system and is expected to bring heavy rain, flash flooding, intense winds, and storm tides to the region. Damaging wind gusts could develop as early as this afternoon and evening for areas between Cape Flattery and Townsville.
Destructive wind gusts of up to 140kph are expected between Wujal Wujal and Innisfail from Wednesday morning. Moreover, heavy rainfall with the potential for flash flooding and riverine flooding, with daily totals exceeding 400mm, is possible.
Residents in Far North Queensland should have already started preparations for the cyclone, including assembling emergency kits and securing their properties.
Preparedness Measures for Tropical Cyclone Jasper
As authorities continue to track the path of Tropical Cyclone Jasper, it is crucial for residents in North Queensland to prioritize their preparedness measures for the impending storm.
With the cyclone expected to bring heavy rain, intense winds, and storm tides, residents should take immediate action to ensure their safety and minimize damage. Some key preparedness measures include creating an emergency kit with essential supplies such as medication, water, food, torches, and a battery-operated radio.
It is also important to secure loose objects and reinforce structures to withstand strong winds. Staying informed through official channels is essential as power outages are expected.
Additional Information
Readers can find additional information about Tropical Cyclone Jasper’s impact by monitoring updates from the Bureau of Meteorology. It is crucial for residents in affected areas to stay informed and follow the latest weather warnings and advice.
Authorities strongly urge residents to listen to local radio stations and regularly check for updates from the Bureau of Meteorology, especially in the afternoon when more information will be provided. By staying informed through official channels, residents can receive the most accurate and up-to-date information about the cyclone’s path, intensity, and duration of impact.
It is essential to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions based on the guidance provided by the Bureau of Meteorology to minimize potential risks and ensure the well-being of individuals and communities during this severe weather event.
Historical Examples of Similar Cyclones
To gain insight into the potential impact of Tropical Cyclone Jasper, it is worth examining historical examples of cyclones that followed similar paths. Some notable examples include Tropical Cyclone Katrina in 2005, Tropical Cyclone Haiyan in 2013, Tropical Cyclone Sandy in 2012, Tropical Cyclone Irma in 2017, and Tropical Cyclone Yasi in 2011.
These cyclones caused significant devastation and loss of life in the regions they affected. They brought heavy rainfall, intense winds, and storm surges, resulting in widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and displacement of residents.
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