QFES MEDIA RELEASE: North and Central Qld urged to prepare for heavy rainfall Communities located between Cardwell and Yeppoon are being urged to prepare for heavy rainfall and flash flooding as Tropical Cyclone Ita continues to move south over North Queensland. At 11am, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) advised that Tropical Cyclone Ita, a Category 1 system, was estimated to be 40 kilometres east of Townsville and 225 kilometres west northwest of Hamilton Island, moving southeast at 23 kilometres per hour. During the next 24 hours, Tropical Cyclone Ita is expected to maintain tropical cyclone intensity and move southeast, most likely move close to or just offshore of the southern tropical and central coasts. Gales with gusts to 110 kilometres per hour are likely between Cardwell and Mackay today. Gales may extend further down the coast to St Lawrence tonight, and to Yeppoon early Monday, if the system remains offshore. As the cyclone tracks near the coast, abnormally high tides are expected between Townsville and Mackay, but the sea level should not exceed the highest tide of the year. Large waves are likely along the beachfront. Heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding is currently occurring about the east tropical coast between Rollingstone and Mackay, and will extend south to about Yeppoon today. Rainfall totals of at least 100 to 200mm are expected , with isolated falls to 400mm possible. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Regional Director for the Northern Region Wayne Coutts said the best option for residents was to shelter at home until the cyclone had passed. “Keep up to date with the movement and severity of the cyclone by listening to your local radio and watching the BoM website,” Mr Coutts said. “Stay inside until you have received official advice that the cyclone has passed. Some people are not aware of the calm eye of the cyclone and mistakenly venture outside thinking that the threat has passed.” Mr Coutts also reminded residents affected by flooding to remember: ‘If it’s flooded, forget it’. “Heavy rain, which may lead to flash flooding, is expected so it is essential residents do not enter flooded roads and causeways,” he said. “Under no circumstance should people enter flooded creeks or causeways by road or on foot. If you come across rising floodwaters, turn around and seek an alternative route. “Parents, please also discourage your children from playing or swimming in flooded creeks and drains. Floodwaters are deadly and the dangers are lurking beneath the surface.” “Don’t put your life and the lives of your rescuers in danger.” Mr Coutts said while State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers would be on hand to help the community after the cyclone had crossed it was important the community was patient. “The public are asked to remember that the SES is made up of volunteers dedicated to helping others and the SES will always put the safety of its volunteers first during adverse weather conditions,” Mr Coutts said. “The SES will also assist the most vulnerable members of the community first so it was important able-bodied residents did everything they could to help themselves and their community instead of putting unnecessary pressure on emergency authorities.” For storm and flood assistance contact the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 or download the SES app on your mobile device. In a life threatening emergency call Triple Zero (000). For further information on how to prepare your home visit getready.qld.gov.au and to keep updated on warnings monitor the BoM website at bom.gov.au .
Posted on: Sun, 13 Apr 2014 01:58:45 +0000
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