Category Archives: South Pacific

Tropical Cyclone Koji Brings Wind and Rain to Queensland

Tropical Cyclone Koji brought wind and rain to Queensland on Saturday night.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of the Tropical Cyclone Koji was located at latitude 20.3°S and longitude 147.5°E which put the center about 45 miles (75 km) west of Bowen, Australia.  Koji was moving toward the south-southwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 992 mb.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology was maintaining a Warning for the portion of the coast of Queensland from Ayr to Mackay.  The Warning included Bowen and Proserpine.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Koji made landfall on the coast of Queensland between Ayr and Bowen on Saturday night.  The circulation around Koji was large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (295 km) from the center of Koji’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Koji will move around the western side of a high pressure system that is east of Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Koji toward the southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Koji will move inland over eastern Queensland.

Tropical Cyclone Koji will continue to bring strong winds and rain to parts of Queensland as it moves inland.  Heavy rain could cause floods in some locations.  The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Koji will weaken gradually as Koji moves farther inland.

Major Flood Warnings are in effect for the Herbert River, the Pioneer River, the Flinders River, the Concurry Rivers, and the Haughton River Catchment.  Moderate Flood Warnings are in effect for the Bohle River, the Don River, the Norman River, the Thompson River, and the Tully River.  Flood Warnings are in effect for the Gilbert River, the Black River and Bluewater Creek.  Flood Watches are in effect for the Coastal Rivers between Cooktown and Rockhampton, and for the Cape York Peninsula.

Tropical Cyclone Koji Nears Queensland

Tropical Cyclone Koji was nearing the coast of Queensland on Saturday morning.  At 7:00 a.m. EST on Saturday the center of the Tropical Cyclone Koji was located at latitude 17.9°S and longitude 147.9°E which put the center about 115 miles (185 km) northeast of Townsville, Australia.  Kohi was moving toward the south at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Warning that was in effect for the portion of the coast of Queensland from Lucinda to Mackay.  The Warning included Townsville, Palm Island, Bowen, Proserpine, and the Whitsunday Islands.

Tropical Cyclone Koji was strengthening as it neared the coast of Queensland on Saturday morning.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Koji’s circulation.  More thunderstorms also developed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Koji.  Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Koji was very large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 220 miles (350 km) from the center of Koji’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Koji will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Koji will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Koji is likely to intensify during the next 12 hours.  Koji could strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Koji will move around the western side of a high pressure system that is east of Australia.  The high pressure system will steer the Koji toward the south-southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the  center of Tropical Cyclone Koji will reach the coast of Queensland near Ayr in 12 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Koji will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the portion of the coast between Lucinda and Mackay.  Heavy rain could cause floods in some locations.

Major Flood Warnings are in effect for the Herbert River, the Pioneer River, the Flinders River, the Concurry Rivers, and the Haughton River Catchment.  Moderate Flood Warnings are in effect for the Bohle River, the Don River, the Norman River, the Thompson River, and the Tully River.  Flood Warnings are in effect for the Gilbert River, the Black River and Bluewater Creek.  Flood Watches are in effect for the Coastal Rivers between Cooktown and Rockhampton, and for the Cape York Peninsula.

Tropical Cyclone Koji could also cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters) along the coast of Queensland.

Tropical Low Prompts Warning for Queensland

A Tropical Low over the Coral Sea prompted the Australian Bureau of Meteorology to issue a Warning for the coast of Queensland on Thursday night.  At 7:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of the Tropical Low was located at latitude 14.9°S and longitude 148.1°E which put the center about 210 miles (335 km) northeast of the Cairns, Australia.  The Tropical Low was moving toward the south-southwest at 4 m.p.h. (6 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 995 mb.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Warning for the portion of the coast of Queensland from Port Douglas to Airlie Beach.  The Warning includes Cairns, Innisfail, Townsville and Bowen.

A low pressure system over the Coral Sea was strengthening on Friday morning.  The Australian Bureau of Meteorology was classifying the system as a Tropical Low.  The U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center was designating the system as Invest 92P.

A Tropical Low over the Coral Sea was strengthening on Friday morning.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northwestern part of the Tropical Low.  Another cluster of thunderstorms was located southeast of the center of circulation.  Storms near the center began to generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the Tropical Low.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The strongest winds were occurring in the thunderstorms northwest and southeast of the center of the Tropical Low.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) from the center of circulation.

The Tropical Low will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  The Tropical Low will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  The Tropical Low is very likely to intensify to a named tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours.

The Tropical Low will move around the western side of a high pressure system that is east of Australia.  The high pressure system will steer the Tropical Low toward the south-southwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the Tropical Low will approach the coast of Queensland near Townsville in 24 hours.

The Tropical Low is likely to be the equivalent of a tropical storm when it approaches the coast.  It will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the portion of the coast between Port Douglas and Airlie Beach.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Low Spins Over Gulf of Carpentaria

A Tropical Low was spinning over the Gulf of Carpentaria on Sunday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of the Tropical Low was located at latitude 12.1°S and longitude 138.1°E which put the center about 100 miles (160 km) east of Nhulunbuy, Australia.   The Tropical Low was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1001 mb.

A low pressure system was spinning over the Gulf of Carpentaria on Sunday.  The Australian Bureau of Meteorology was designating the low pressure system as a Tropical Low.  The U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center was designating the low pressure system as Tropical Cyclone 31P.

The Tropical Low exhibited better organization on Sunday night.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of circulation.  More thunderstorms also developed in bands revolving around the center of the Tropical Low.  Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the Tropical Low.

The Tropical Low will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  The Tropical Low will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge over northern Australia.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the tip of the Tropical Low.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear may not be strong enough to prevent some intensification.  The Tropical Low could intensify during the next 24 hours.

The Tropical Low will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over Australia.  The high pressure system will steer the Tropical Low toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, The Tropical Low will pass near Nhulunbuy and Cape Wessel.  The Tropical Low will move over the Arafura Sea on Tuesday.

The Tropical Low will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the far northeastern part of the Northern Territory of Australia.  Heavy rain could cause floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Tam Develops East of New Caledonia

Tropical Cyclone Tam developed over the South Pacific Ocean east of New Caledonia on Tuesday.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Tam was located at latitude 21.9°S and longitude 171.4°E which put the center about 335 miles (540 km) east of Noumea, New Caledonia.  Tam was moving toward the southeast at 25 m.p.h. (40 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

A low pressure system over the South Pacific Ocean east of New Caledonia strengthened during Monday night and the Fiji Meteorological Service designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Tam.

The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Cyclone Tam was asymmetrical.  Tam was located under the eastern side of an upper level trough that was east of Australia.  The upper level trough was producing strong northwesterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Tam’s circulation.  Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear.  The strong wind shear was causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Cyclone Tam.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern and eastern parts of Tam’s circulation.  Bands in the northern and western parts of Tropical Cyclone Tam consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms was also causing the distribution of wind speeds to be asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 250 miles (400 km) in the eastern side of Tropical Cyclone Tam.  The winds in the western half of Tam’s circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Cyclone Tam will move into an environment that will be unfavorable for the intensification of a tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours.  Tam will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 24°C.  The upper level trough east of Australia will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear.  The combination of cool Sea Surface Temperatures and strong vertical wind shear will cause Tropical Cyclone Tam to make a transition to a strong extratropical cyclone during the next 24 hours.

The upper level trough east of Australia will steer Tropical Cyclone Tam toward the south during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tam will move quickly away from New Caledonia.  Tropical Cyclone Tam will move closer to northern New Zealand.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred Brings Wind and Rain to Brisbane

Tropical Cyclone Alfred brought wind and rain to Brisbane on Friday.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Alfred was located at latitude 27.4°S and longitude 153.4°E which put the center about 45 miles (75 km) east of Brisbane, Australia.  Alfred was moving toward the west-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 985 mb.

A Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Noosa, Queensland to Ballina, New South Wales.  The Warning includes Brisbane.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred brought wind and rain to the area around Brisbane, Australia on Friday.  A band of heavier rain and stronger winds stretched from Southport through Beenleigh to Brisbane.

A weather station at the airport in Brisbane reported a sustained wind speed of 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and a wind gust of 58 m.p.h. (93 km/h).  The airport had received 0.79 inches (20.2  mm) of rain.  A weather station at Coolangatta reported a sustained wind speed of 37 m.p.h. (59 km/h) and a wind gust of 62 m.p.h. (100 km/h).

Tropical Cyclone Alfred was the equivalent of a tropical storm when it made landfall on the east coast of Australia.  The circulation around Alfred was large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 275 miles (445 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred will move around the northern side of a high pressure system that is southeast of Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Tropical Cyclone Alfred toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Alfred will pass near Brisbane during  the next few hours.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred will continue to bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales.   Bands in the southern side of Alfred’s circulation will drop the heaviest rain.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.  Tropical Cyclone Alfred will also be capable of causing a storm surge of up to six feet (1.8 meters) along portions of the coast.

A Flood Watch is in effect for southeast Queensland.  A Flood Watch is also in effect for the northern rivers of New South Wales.

 

Tropical Cyclone Alfred Approaches Brisbane

Tropical Cyclone Alfred was approaching Brisbane, Australia on Thursday.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Alfred was located at latitude 27.3°S and longitude 154.9°E which put the center about 130 miles (210 km) east of Brisbane, Australia.    Alfred was moving toward the west at 3 m.p.h. (5 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 985 mb.

A Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Double Island Point, Queensland to Grafton, New South Wales.  The Warning includes Brisbane.

An upper low near the east coast of Australia continued to produce northwesterly winds that blew across the top of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.  Those winds caused strong vertical wind shear.  Those winds also caused the distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Cyclone Alfred to be asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern part of Alfred’s circulation.  Bands in the other parts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Alfred was large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 250 miles (400 km) from the center of Alfred’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 18 hours.  Alfred will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  However, the upper level low near the east coast of Australia will continue to produce northwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Alfred’s circulation.  Those winds will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear.  The strong wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Alfred is close to being in equilibrium with its surrounding environment.  The intensity of Tropical Cyclone Alfred could remain relatively constant during the next 18 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred will move around the northern side of a high pressure system that is southeast of Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Tropical Cyclone Alfred toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Alfred will reach the east coast of Australia near Brisbane in 18 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales.   Bands in the southern side of Alfred’s circulation will drop the heaviest rain.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.  Tropical Cyclone Alfred will also be capable of causing a storm surge of up to six feet (1.8 meters) along portions of the coast.

A Flood Watch is in effect for southeast Queensland.  A Flood Watch is also in effect for the northern rivers of New South Wales.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred Meanders East of Brisbane

Tropical Cyclone Alfred meandered east of Brisbane, Australia on Wednesday.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Alfred was located at latitude 27.3°S and longitude 156.6°E which put the center about 230 miles (370 km) east of Brisbane, Australia.    Alfred was moving toward the east-southeast at 4 m.p.h. (6 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 978 mb.

A Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Double Island Point, Queensland to Grafton, New South Wales.  The Warning includes Brisbane.

An upper low near the east coast of Australia produced west-northwesterly winds that blew across the top of Tropical Cyclone Alfred on Wednesday.  Those winds caused strong vertical wind shear.  Those winds also caused the distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Cyclone Alfred to become more asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southeastern part of Alfred’s circulation.  A few thunderstorms were also occurring in a band in the northern edge of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.  Bands in the other parts of Alfred’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

he circulation around Tropical Cyclone Alfred was very large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 320 miles (520 km) from the center of Alfred’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Alfred will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  However, the upper level low near the east coast of  Australia will continue to produce west-northwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Alfred’s circulation.  Those winds will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear.  The stroong wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Alfred could be close to being in equilibrium with its surrounding environment.  The intensity of Tropical Cyclone Alfred could remain relatively constant during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred will move around the northern side of a high pressure system that is southeast of Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Tropical Cyclone Alfred toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Alfred will reach the east coast of Australia near Brisbane in 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.  Alfred will also be capable of causing a storm surge of up to six feet (1.8 meters) along portions of the coast.

A Flood Watch is in effect for southeast Queensland.  A Flood Watch is also in effect for the Northern Rivers of New South Wales.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred Moves Toward Australia

Tropical Cyclone Alfred started to move toward the east coast of Australia on Tuesday.  The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Warning for a portion of the coast.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Alfred was located at latitude 27.8°S and longitude 158.2°E which put the center about 335 miles (540 km) east of Brisbane, Australia.   Alfred was moving toward the west at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 981 mb.

A Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Double Island Point , Queensland to Grafton, New South Wales.  The Warning includes Brisbane.

A Watch remains in effect for the portion of the coast from Sandy Cape to Double Island Point, Queensland.

The structure of Tropical Cyclone Alfred started to change when Alfred began to move west toward the east coast of Australia.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western and southern parts of Alfred’s circulation.  Bands in the northern and eastern parts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Alfred generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the east of the tropical cyclone.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Alfred was very large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 250 miles (400 km) from the center of Alfred’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred will move through an environment that will be marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Alfred will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  However, the upper level low over eastern Australia will continue to produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Alfred’s circulation.  Those winds will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The moderate wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Alfred could be close to being in equilibrium with its surrounding environment.  The intensity of Tropical Cyclone Alfred could remain relatively constant during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred will move around the northern side of a high pressure system that is southeast of Australia.  The high pressure system will steer Tropical Cyclone Alfred toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Alfred will approach the east coast of Australia near Brisbane in 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.  Alfred will also be capable of causing a storm surge of up to six feet (1.8 meters) along portions of the coast.

A Flood Watch is in effect for southeast Queensland.  A Flood Watch is also in effect for the Northern Rivers and Mid-North Coast of New South Wales.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred Lingers East of Australia

Tropical Cyclone Alfred lingered over the Coral Sea east of Australia on Monday.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Alfred was located at latitude 27.3°S and longitude 158.8°E which put the center about 370 miles (595 km) east of Brisbane, Australia.   Alfred was moving toward the southeast at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 983 mb.

A Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Sandy Cape, Queensland to Grafton, New South Wales.  The Watch includes Brisbane.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred did not look much like a tropical cyclone on satellite images on Monday night.  An upper level trough over the Coral Sea was producing strong northerly winds that were blowing across the top of Alfred’s circulation.  Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear.  The strong wind shear was making the distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Cyclone Alfred very asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were still occurring in bands in the southern part of Alfred’s circulation.  Bands in the northern part of Tropical Cyclone Alfred consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Alfred was very large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 260 miles (420 km) from the center of Alfred’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Alfred will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  However, the upper level trough over the Coral Sea will continue to produce northerly winds that will blow toward the top of Alfred’s circulation.  Those winds will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear.  The strong wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Alfred could be close to being in equilibrium with its surrounding environment.  The intensity of Tropical Cyclone Alfred could remain relatively constant during the next 24 hours.

A high pressure system southeast of Australia will block Tropical Cyclone Alfred.  The high pressure system will keep Alfred from moving farther to the southeast.  The high pressure system will steer Tropical Cyclone Alfred toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Alfred could approach the east coast of Australia near Brisbane in 48 hours.