Tag Archives: Northern Territory

Tropical Cyclone Megan Intensifies to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Megan intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the Gulf of Carpentaria on Saturday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Megan was located at latitude 14.5°S and longitude 137.5°E which put it about 160 miles (260 km) north-northeast of Borroloola, Australia. Megan was moving toward the southwest at 2 m.p.h. (3 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 980 mb.

A Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Alyangula to Mornington Island, Australia. A Watch was in effect for Mornington Island.

Tropical Cyclone Megan intensified rapidly on Saturday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Megan’s circulation. A small circular eye formed at the center of Tropical Cyclone Megan. A ring of thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation. Storms near the center of Megan’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Megan. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 120 miles (195 km) from the center of Megan.

Tropical Cyclone Megan will move through and environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Megan will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Gulf of Carpentaria. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Megan will intensify during the next 24 hours. Megan could intensify rapidly at times. Tropical Cyclone Megan could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Tropical Cyclone Megan will move around the northern part of a high pressure system over Australia. The high pressure system will steer Megan toward the south-southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Megan will approach the coast of the Northern Territory near Port McArthur in 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Megan will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the portion of the coast from Alyangula to Mornington Island. The part of the coast near Port McArthur is likely to experience winds to hurricane/typhoon force. Heavy rain was already falling on parts of Groote Eylandt. Heavy rain will cause floods in some locations, A Flood Watch is in effect for parts of the Top End and Barkly in the Northern Territory. Tropical Cyclone Megan could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters along the coast.

Elsewhere, a Tropical Low continued to spin over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Australia. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of the Tropical Low was located at latitude 16.7°S and longitude 113.7°E which put it about 385 miles (625 km) north of Exmouth, Australia. The Tropical Low was moving toward the west 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 999 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Megan Develops Over Gulf of Carpentaria

Tropical Cyclone Megan developed over the Gulf of Carpentaria early on Saturday. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Megan was located at latitude 14.6°S and longitude 137.6°E which put it about 160 miles (260 km) north-northeast of Borroloola, Australia. Megan was moving toward the south-southwest 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 987 mb.

A Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Alyangula to Mornington Island, Australia. A Watch was in effect for Mornington Island.

A low pressure system over the Gulf of Carpentaria strengthened early on Saturday and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Megan. The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Megan was well organized. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Megan’s circulation. An eye appeared to be forming at the center of circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Megan. Storms near the center of Megan generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Megan.

Tropical Cyclone Megan will move through and environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Megan will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Gulf of Carpentaria. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Megan will intensify during the next 24 hours. Megan is likely to strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon. Tropical Cyclone Megan could intensify rapidly at times.

Tropical Cyclone Megan will move around the northern part of a high pressure system over Australia. The high pressure system will steer Megan toward the south-southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Megan will approach the coast of the Northern Territory near Port McArthur in 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Megan will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the portion of the coast from Alyangula to Mornington Island. The part of the coast near Port McArthur is likely to experience winds to hurricane/typhoon force. Heavy rain was already falling on parts of Groote Eylandt. Heavy rain will cause floods in some locations, A Flood Watch is in effect for parts of the Top End and Barkly in the Northern Territory. Tropical Cyclone Megan could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters along the coast.

Elsewhere, a Tropical Low was spinning over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Australia. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of the Tropical Low was located at latitude 17.3°S and longitude 114.0°E which put it about 345 miles (555 km) north of Exmouth, Australia. The Tropical Low was moving toward the west 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 998 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln Develops Over Gulf of Carpentaria

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln developed over the southwest Gulf of Carpentaria on Thursday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Lincoln was located at latitude 15.7°S and longitude 137.3°E which put it about 135 miles (220 km) northwest of Mornington Island. Lincoln was nearly stationary. The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 996 mb.

A Warning was in effect from Bing Bong, Northern Territory to Mornington Island, Queensland including Port McArthur and Borroloola.

A tropical low pressure system over the southwest Gulf of Carpentaria strengthened on Thursday night and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Lincoln. A band of showers and thunderstorms wrapped around the western side of the center of Lincoln’s circulation. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Other bands of thunderstorms were in the eastern periphery of Tropical Cyclone Lincoln. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles from the center of Lincoln’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few hours. Lincoln will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 31°C. It will move under axis of an upper level ridge over northern Australia. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Lincoln could intensify during the next few hours.

Tropical Cyclone Lincoln will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over eastern Australia. The high pressure system will steer Lincoln toward the southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Lincoln will make landfall between Port McArthur and the border between the Northern Territory and Queensland in a few hours. Lincoln will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the eastern part of the Northern Territory and northwestern Queensland. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa Brings Wind and Rain to Western Australia

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa continued to bring wind and rain to Western Australia on Friday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa was located at latitude 22.4°S and longitude 125.0°E which put it about 180 miles (290 km) west of Kiwirrkurra, Australia. Ilsa was moving toward the east-southeast at 24 m.p.h. (39 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Isla continued to bring wind and rain to Western Australia after it made landfall on the coast near Pardoo Roadhouse on Thursday. Reports of the effects of Ilsa included pictures of damage to the Pardoo Roadhouse. A weather station in Telfer measured a sustained wind speed of 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) when Tropical Cyclone Ilsa passed near it. The weather station also measured a wind gust of 77 m.p.h. (124 km/h) and it recorded 2.00 inches (51.0 mm) of rain. A weather station in Marble Bar measured 2.47 inches (62.8 mm) of rain dropped by Tropical Storm Ilsa.

A Minor Flood Warning was in effect for the De Grey River. A Flood Warning was in effect for the Sandy Desert. Flood Watches were in effect for Warburton District Rivers, Salt Lake District Rivers and the Western Desert.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Ilsa was still well defined on Friday morning even though it had been weakening over land for almost 24 hours. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Ilsa’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) in the northern side of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over northern Australia. The high pressure system will steer Ilsa quickly toward the east-southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Ilsa will pass near Kiwirrkurra and Alice Springs.

Tropical Cyclone Ilsa will continue to weaken as it moves over land. Ilsa will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Ellie Makes Landfall in Northwest Australia

Tropical Cyclone Ellie made landfall on the coast of northwestern Australia on Thursday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Ellie was located at latitude 14.6°S and longitude 130.2°E which put it about 130 miles (210 km) south-southwest of Darwin, Australia. Ellie was moving toward the south-southeast at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 992 mb.

A Tropical Cyclone Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Daly River Mouth to the border between the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

A low pressure system over the Timor Sea near the northwest coast of Australia strengthened on Thursday and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Ellie. Tropical Cyclone Ellie made landfall on the coast south-southwest of Darwin within a few hours of being designated as a tropical cyclone. Ellie was the equivalent of a tropical storm at the time of landfall. The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). Winds to tropical storm force extended out 85 miles (135 km/h).

Tropical Cyclone Ellie will move toward the south-southeast during the next 24 hours. Ellie will move farther inland over the western part of the Northern Territory of Australia. Tropical Cyclone Ellie will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the western parts of the Northern Territory. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Flood Watches were in effect for the Carpentaria Coastal Rivers, the Bonaparte Coastal Rivers, the North West Coastal Rivers, and Inland Northern Territory Catchments.

Elsewhere, Tropical Cyclone Darian was moving toward the west over the South Indian Ocean. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Darian was located at latitude 12.8°S and longitude 85.4°E which put it about 985 miles (1590 km) east-southeast of Diego Garcia. Darian was moving toward the west at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 145 m.p.h. (235 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 961 mb.

Tropical Low Forms West of Darwin

A Tropical Low formed west of Darwin, Australia on Wednesday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of the Tropical Low was located at latitude 12.5°S and longitude 128.5°E which put it about 160 miles (255 km) west of Darwin, Australia. The Tropical Low was nearly stationary. The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

The circulation around a small low pressure system over the Timor Sea west of Darwin, Australia exhibited more organization on Wednesday night and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as a Tropical Low. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands northwest of the center of the circulation. There was also a band of thunderstorms in the southwestern part of the Tropical Low. Bands in the northeastern part of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The Tropical Low will be in an area where the steering winds are weak during the next 36 hours and it is forecast to remain nearly stationary. The Tropical Low will be in an environment somewhat favorable for intensification. The Tropical Low will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will be under the northern part of an upper level ridge centered over northern Australia. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of the Tropical Low. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear and the shear will inhibit intensification. The Tropical Low could gradually strengthen during the next 36 hours.

The Tropical Low is forecast to move toward Australia during the weekend. A Watch has been issued for the portion of the coast from Point Stuart to Kalumburu. The Watch includes Darwin, Wyndham, Wadeye and the Tiwi Islands.

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany Makes Landfall near Port Roper

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany made landfall near Port Roper, Australia on Tuesday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Tiffany was located at latitude 14.9°S and longitude 134.7°E which put it about 45 miles (75 km) west of Port Roper, Australia. Tiffany was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 991 mb.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Tiffany made landfall near Port Roper on the west coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria on Tuesday night. Tiffany was the equivalent of a strong tropical storm at the time of landfall. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were dropping heavy rain over the region west of Port Roper. A Flood Watch was in effect for many of the rivers in the area.

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over Australia. The high pressure system will steer Tiffany toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will move across the northern part of the Northern Territory. The center of Tiffany will pass near Ngukurr, Mataranka, Barunga and Katherine. Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will weaken gradually as it moves farther inland, but it will continue to drop heavy rain over the northern part of the Northern Territory. Locally heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some location.

Elsewhere over the South Pacific Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Cody was moving farther southwest of Fiji. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Cody was located at latitude 23.1°S and longitude 174.1°E which put it about 435 miles (705 km) southwest of Suva, Fiji. Cody was moving toward the south at 12 m.p.h. (19 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.

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany Strengthens over Gulf of Carpentaria

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany strengthened over the Gulf of Carpentaria on Tuesday morning. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Tiffany was located at latitude 15.2°S and longitude 137.4°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) southeast of Groote Eylandt, Australia. Tiffany was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 991 mb.

A Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast of the Northern Territory from Nhulunbuy to the border with Queensland. The Warning included Groote Eylandt, Port Roper and Port McArthur.

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany exhibited greater organization as it strengthened on Tuesday morning. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the northern side of the center of circulation and a partial eyewall appeared to be developing. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tiffany’s circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Tiffany.

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Tiffany will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 31˚C. It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge over eastern Australia. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Tiffany’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear and the wind shear will inhibit intensification. However, Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will intensify over the warm water in the Gulf of Carpentaria during the next 12 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over Australia during the next 24 hours. The high pressure system will steer Tiffany toward west. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will pass south of Groote Eylandt during the next few hours. Tiffany will make landfall on the coast of the Northern Territory near Port Roper in about 12 hours. Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the eastern part of the Northern Territory. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Flood Watches have been issued for rivers in the eastern part of the Northern Territory.

Elsewhere over the South Pacific Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Cody was continued to churn southwest of Fiji. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Cody was located at latitude 21.5°S and longitude 173.5°E which put it about 390 miles (625 km) southwest of Suva, Fiji. Cody was moving toward the south-southeast at 4 m.p.h. (6 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 991 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany Crosses Cape York Peninsula

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany crossed the Cape York Peninsula on Monday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Tiffany was located at latitude 14.8°S and longitude 140.9°E which put it about 55 miles (90 km) west of Pormpuraaw, Australia. Tiffany was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 997 mb.

A Warning was in effect for Groote Eylandt. A Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast of the Northern Territory from Nhulunbuy to the border with Queensland. The Watch included Numbalwar, Port Roper and Port McArthur.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Tiffany emerged over the eastern Gulf of Carpentaria near Pormpuraaw on Monday after it moved westward across the Cape York Peninsula. New thunderstorms were forming in bands in the western and northern parts of Tiffany’s circulation. Bands in the eastern and southern parts of the circulation were still over land and those bands contained fewer thunderstorms. The strongest winds were occurring in the bands over the Gulf of Carpentaria. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Tiffany.

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Tiffany will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 31˚C. It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge over eastern Australia. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Tiffany’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear and the wind shear will inhibit intensification. However, Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will intensify over the warm water in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Tiffany could intensify rapidly once more of the circulation moves over water and it could strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over Australia during the next 36 hours. The high pressure system will steer Tiffany toward west. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Tiffany could approach Groote Eylandt in 24 hours. Tiffany could be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it approaches Groote Eylandt.

Elsewhere over the South Pacific Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Cody was continued to meander southwest of Fiji. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Cody was located at latitude 20.9°S and longitude 174.1°E which put it about 330 miles (535 km) southwest of Suva, Fiji. Cody was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

Tropical Low Forms over Timor Sea

A Tropical Low formed over the Timor Sea north of Darwin, Australia on Thursday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of the Tropical Low was located at latitude 9.8°S and longitude 129.6°E which put it about 200 miles (325 km) north-northwest of Darwin, Australia. The Tropical Low was moving toward the south-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 25 m.p.h. (40 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1007 mb.

A Watch was issued for the portion of the coast from Point Stuart, Northern Territory to Kalumburu, Western Australia including Darwin and the Tiwi Islands.

A low pressure system over the Timor Sea north of Darwin, Australia exhibited more organization on Thursday night and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as a Tropical Low. More thunderstorms formed in bands revolving around the center of the Tropical Low. The strongest rainbands were occurring in the western half of the circulation. Storms near the center began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the Tropical Low.

The Tropical Low will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. It will will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. The Tropical Low will move under the southwestern part of an upper level ridge centered north of Australia. The ridge will produce northwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of the Tropical Low’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. The Tropical Low is likely to strengthen during the next 24 hours.

The Tropical Low will move around the western side of a high pressure system centered north of Australia during the next 24 hours. The high pressure system will steer the Tropical Low toward the south during the next day or so. On its anticipated track the Tropical Low could approach Bathurst Island and Melville Island within 24 hours. The Tropical Low could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to a portion of the coast of the Northern Territory during the weekend.