As Tropical Cyclone Jasper bears down on far north Queensland, residents are bracing themselves for wild weather, possible power outages, and disruptions to internet and water supplies. The Bureau of Meteorology warns that Jasper is forecast to re-intensify during Tuesday as it approaches the coast, potentially making landfall between Cape Flattery and Cardwell as a category 2 system.
The cyclone’s path is expected to take it over the region, bringing with it damaging winds and heavy rainfall. The winds could extend as far north as Cape Melville, on the eastern coast of Cape York Peninsula, and as far south as Townsville. “It is expected to make land on Wednesday and can I just remind Queenslanders and especially north Queensland to take care,” said outgoing Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
Residents living between Cooktown and Ingham are being warned to expect damaging 90km/h winds to develop from Tuesday. The winds could fell trees and powerlines, lift roofs off houses, and blow away anything not tied down. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has also warned of the potential for phone and internet outages, along with disruptions to water supplies.
Tropical Cyclone Jasper AftermathFloods are also possible for the north tropical coast, parts of the Cape York peninsula and Gulf Country from Wednesday. The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted that heavy rainfall will develop along the coast from late Tuesday, with flooding expected to occur in some areas.
The cyclone’s arrival follows a record-breaking heatwave, which has finally begun to ease. However, the wild weather is far from over, with Jasper expected to bring two months’ worth of rain to parts of South Australia.
As the cyclone approaches, residents are being urged to prepare for the worst. “I can say that all preparations are well and truly in place,” said Premier Palaszczuk. “Communities could also be isolated, and it is essential that everyone takes necessary precautions to ensure their safety.”