Staff at a remote Queensland weather station may soon be evacuated as the state prepares for an unusual tropical cyclone. Cyclone Jasper, which intensified to a Category 4 system on Friday, is expected to approach the north Queensland coast around mid-next week.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the highest risk of impact is between Cape Melville and Townsville, including Cairns and Cooktown. As Jasper nears the coast, there is a chance it could strengthen further and cause severe impacts.
In response, the Bureau of Meteorology has initiated contingency plans for its Willis Island station, situated about 450 km off Cairns in the Coral Sea.
Queenslanders warned of severe storms and flooding as Cyclone Jasper approaches next week.Four staff members are set to be evacuated as the cyclone heads towards their location. Dave Grant from the bureau emphasized that while the station is designed to withstand a Category 5 cyclone, staff safety is their top priority.
Jasper is expected to weaken over the weekend but could intensify again into a severe tropical cyclone by next week. A cyclone watch, indicating a potential impact within 24 to 48 hours, could be issued as early as Sunday.
State Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan has urged Queenslanders to stay informed and prepared, stressing the seriousness of the situation.
Jasper, currently about 1,200 km east-northeast of Cairns and moving south at 10 km/h, is likely to bring heavy rainfall and possible flooding to central and northern Queensland from Monday.
The cyclone’s extensive cloud bands could lead to severe storms and flooding far beyond the immediate impact zone. Preparations are underway with disaster coordinators from Mackay to Cairns on high alert.
Jasper is the first tropical cyclone to form in Queensland waters this December during an El Niño year, with the cyclone season typically running from November to April.