Tropical Cyclone Esther developed over the southern Gulf of Carpentaria on Sunday.  At 1:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Esther was located at latitude 16.0°S and longitude 139.1°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) north of Mornington Island.  Esther was moving toward the southwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 991 mb.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a warning for the portion of the coast from Port Roper to Gilbert River Mouth including Borroloola and Mornington Island.

A Tropical Low over the southern Gulf of Carpentaria strengthened into Tropical Cyclone Esther on Sunday.  The circulation around Esther was large.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 125 miles (200 km) from the center of circulation.  There were a few thunderstorms near the center.  Most of the thunderstorms were in two large bands in the outer part of the circulation.  One of the bands was south of the center of Tropical Cyclone Esther and the other band was north of the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Esther will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Esther will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will move under and upper level ridge.  The upper level winds will be weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Esther could make intensify before it makes landfall on the coast of Australia.

Tropical Cyclone Esther will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system during the next 12 to 24 hours.  The high will steer Esther toward the southwest.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Esther could make landfall on the coast of Australia near the border between Queensland and the Northern Territory in about 12 hours.  Esther will bring gusty winds to coastal locations.  Tropical Cyclone Esther is already dropping locally heavy rain over far northwestern Queensland and the eastern part of the Northern Territory.  Flood watches have been issued for river basins near the Gulf of Carpentaria.  Esther could move westward across the Northern Territory after it makes landfall.