Tag Archives: Australia

Tropical Cyclone Paul Forms over Coral Sea

Tropical Cyclone Paul formed over the Coral Sea on Wednesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Paul was located at latitude 13.8°S and longitude 154.3°E which put it about 150 miles (240 km) south-southeast of the Tagula Island. Paul was moving toward the south-southeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 1000 mb.

A low pressure system over the Coral Sea southeast of New Guinea strengthened on Wednesday and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Paul. More thunderstorms formed near the center of Tropical Cyclone Paul. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the northern side of the center of Paul’s circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Paul. The circulation around Paul was small. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Paul’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Paul will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Paul will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. An upper level trough over eastern Australia will produce west-northwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Paul’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Cyclone Paul could intensify during the next 24 hours despite the wind shear. The vertical wind shear is forecast to increase on Friday. Paul will start to weaken when the wind shear increases.

Tropical Cyclone Paul will be in an area where the steering winds are weak during the next 24 hours. Tropical Cyclone Paul will not move much during the next day or so. A high pressure system over the Southwest Pacific Ocean and eastern Australia is likely to start to steer Paul toward the west on Friday. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Paul will eventually start to move toward the northern Cape York Peninsula.

Elsewhere, a weakening Tropical Cyclone Olga was passing near Exmouth, Australia. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Olga was located at latitude 21.4°S and longitude 114.3°E which put it about 85 miles (135 km) north-northeast of the Exmouth, Australia. Olga was moving toward the southwest 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 1007 mb. A weather station on Barrow Island reported a sustained wind speed of 37 m.p.h. (59 km/h) and a wind gust of 45 m.p.h. (72 km/h).

Tropical Cyclone Neville Intensifies to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Neville intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Australia on Wednesday evening. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Neville was located at latitude 17.9°S and longitude 106.1°E which put it about 565 miles (915 km) west-northwest of Exmouth, Australia. Neville was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 982 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Neville rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the South Indian Ocean on Wednesday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Neville’s circulation and an eye was visible on satellite images. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Neville. Storms near the center of Neville generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Neville was small. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Neville’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Neville will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Neville will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Neville will intensify during the next 36 hours. Neville could intensify rapidly at times and it could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Tropical Cyclone Neville will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Neville toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Neville will move farther away from Australia. Neville could pass south of the Cocos Islands on Friday.

Tropical Cyclone Megan Makes Landfall in Northern Territory

Tropical Cyclone Megan made landfall in the Northern Territory of Australia on Monday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Megan was located at latitude 16.52S and longitude 136.6°E which put it about 30 miles (50 km) south-southeast of Port McArthur, Australia. Megan was moving toward the southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 977 mb.

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

Tropical Cyclone Megan made landfall on the coast of the Northern Territory southeast of Port McArthur on Monday morning. A weather station in Borroloola, Australia reported a sustained wind speed of 37 m.p.h. (59 km/h) and a gust of 48 m.p.h. (78 km/h). The weather station in Borroloola also measured 12.12 inches (308.0 mm) of rain.

The core of Tropical Cyclone Megan also passed over the Pellew Islands before it made landfall in the Northern Territory. Centre Island reported a sustained wind speed of 82 m.p.h. (132 km/h) and a wind gust of 105 m.p.h. (170 km/h). The weather station on Centre Island also measured 14.99 inches (380.8 mm) of rain.

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 west-southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Megan will pass southeast of Borroloola. The center of Megan will pass between the McArthur River Mine and Robinson River.

Tropical Cyclone Megan will weaken gradually as it moves farther inland over the Northern Territory. Megan will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to southeastern part of the Northern Territory. Heavy rain could cause floods in some locations. A Flood Watch was in effect for some of the inland parts of the Northern Territory and the Carpentaria Coastal Rivers.

Elsewhere, a Tropical Low weakened over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Australia. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of the Tropical Low was located at latitude 17.0°S and longitude 112.1°E which put it about 385 miles (625 km) north-northwest 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 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 997 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Megan Brings Wind and Rain to Pellew Islands

Tropical Cyclone Megan brought wind and rain to the Pellew Islands on Sunday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Megan was located at latitude 15.5°S and longitude 137.1°E which put it about 85 miles (135 km) northeast of Borroloola, Australia. Megan was moving toward the south-southwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 961 mb.

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

Tropical Cyclone Megan brought strong winds and heavy rain to the Pellew Islands on Sunday. An automated weather station on Centre Island reported a sustained wind speed of 54 m.p.h. (87 km/h) and a wind gust of 73 m.p.h. (117 km/h). The weather station measured 6.67 inches (169.4 mm) of rain and it was still raining at the time of the latest observation.

Tropical Cyclone Megan continued to intensify on Sunday. A small circular eye was present at the center of Megan’s circulation. 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 Tropical Cyclone Megan. Storms near the center of Megan’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Megan was symmetrical. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Megan. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Megan was 17.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 12.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 30.4. Tropical Cyclone Megan was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Sally when Sally hit South Alabama in 2020.

Tropical Cyclone Megan will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 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. Although more and more of the western side of Tropical Cyclone Megan will move over land, Megan could intensify during the next 12 hours.

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 southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Megan will make landfall on the coast of the Northern Territory southeast of Port McArthur in 12 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Megan will continue to produce strong winds and heavy rain in the Pellew Islands. Megan will also bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the portion of the coast from Alyangula to Mornington Island. The part of the coast southeast of Port McArthur is likely to experience sustained winds to hurricane/typhoon force. 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 churn over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Australia. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of the Tropical Low was located at latitude 17.5°S and longitude 112.7°E which put it about 350 miles (565 km) north of Exmouth. Australia. The Tropical Low was moving toward the south-southwest at 3 m.p.h. (5 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.

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 Eleanor Forms North of Mauritius

Tropical Cyclone Eleanor formed over the South Indian Ocean north of Mauritius on Monday. At 1:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Eleanor was located at latitude 14.1°S and longitude 56.6°E which put it about 415 miles (670 km) north of Port Louis, Mauritius. Eleanor was moving toward the east at 13 m.p.h. (21 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.

A low pressure system over the South Indian Ocean north of Mauritius strengthened on Monday and Meteo France La Reunion designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Eleanor. More thunderstorms formed near the center of Eleanor’s circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Eleanor. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center of Eleanor’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Eleanor will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Eleanor will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Eleanor will intensify during the next 36 hours. Eleanor could intensify rapidly at times. Tropical Cyclone Eleanor is likely to strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Eleanor will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Eleanor toward the south during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Eleanor will approach Mauritius in 48 hours. Eleanor is likely to be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it approaches Mauritius.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Djoungou weakened rapidly west of Australia. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Djoungou was located at latitude 30.7°S and longitude 93.9°E which put it about 1470 miles (2370 km) west of Perth, Australia. Djoungou was moving toward the southeast at 47 m.p.h. (76 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 984 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 Kirrily Brings Wind and Rain to Queensland

Tropical Cyclone Kirrily brought wind and rain to northern Queensland on Thursday. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily was located at latitude 19.6°S and longitude 145.6°E which put it about 70 miles (110 km) west of Townsville, Australia. Kirrily was moving toward the west-southwest at 22 m.p.h. (35 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 993 mb.

A Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Innisfail to Ayr. The Warning included Townsville.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily made landfall on the coast of Queensland just to the north of Townsville on Thursday. Kirrily strengthened up until it made landfall. Tropical Cyclone Kirrily was almost the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon at the time of landfall. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Kirrily’s circulation and an eye was starting to form just before landfall occurred. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily at the time of landfall.

A weather station at Townsville reported a sustained wind speed of 38 m.p.h. (61 km/h) and a wind gust of 58 m.p.h. (93 km/h). The weather station reported 0.97 inches (24.6 mm) of rain. A weather station at Lucinda reported a sustained wind speed of 51 m.p.h. (82 km/h) and a wind gust of 62 m.p.h. (100 km/h). A weather station at Alva Beach reported a sustained wind speed of 49 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and a wind gust of 67 m.p.h. (108 km/h). That weather station also reported 1.13 inches (28.8 mm) of rain.

Tropical Cyclone Kirrily will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over the Coral Sea. The high pressure system will steer Kirrily toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Kirrily will continue to move inland over northern Queensland. Kirrily will weaken gradually as it moves farther inland. Kirrily will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to northern Queensland. Heavy rain could cause floods in some locations. A Flood Watch was in effect for the region between Tully and Airlie Beach.

Tropical Cyclone Kirrily Approaches Queensland

Tropical Cyclone Kirrily approached the coast of Queensland on Wednesday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily was located at latitude 18.5°S and longitude 148.5°E which put it about 135 miles (215 km) east-northeast of Townsville, Australia. Kirrily was moving toward the west-southwest at 10 m.p.h. (17 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 988 mb.

A Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Innisfail to Sarina. The Warning included Townsville, Mackay and Bowen.

Tropical Cyclone Kirrily strengthened on Wednesday as it moved over the Coral Sea toward the coast of Queensland. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the northern side of the center of Kirrily’s circulation. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western side of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily. Bands in the eastern side of Kirrily’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of Kirrily generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (295 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily.

Tropical Cyclone Kirrily will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Kirrily will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge over Australia. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kirrily’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear may not be enough to prevent strengthening. Tropical Cyclone Kirrily could intensify to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon during the next 12 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Kirrily will move around the northern side of a high pressure system over the Coral Sea during the next 24 hours. The high pressure system will steer Kirrily toward the west-southwest. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily will approach the coast of Queensland near Townsville in 12 hours. Kirrily will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to northern Queensland. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. A Flood Watch was in effect for the region between Tully and Airlie Beach. Tropical Cyclone Kirrily could also cause a storm surge of up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) along the portion of the coast where the wind blows the water toward the shore.