Tag Archives: Gulf of Carpentaria

Tropical Low Strengthens over Gulf of Carpentaria

A tropical low strengthened over the Gulf of Carpentaria on Saturday. At 1:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of the tropical low was located at latitude 15.8°S and longitude 138.5°E which put it about 75 miles (120 km) northwest of Mornington Island. The tropical low was moving toward the southeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 998 mb.

A Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from the border between the Northern Territory and Queensland to Pormpuraaw. The Watch included Mornington Island.

The circulation around the tropical low exhibited better organization on Saturday. More thunderstorms developed near the center of circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the tropical low. The removal of mass was causing the surface pressure to decrease. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of the tropical low.

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 Temperature is near 30°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge where the winds are weak. There will be little vertical wind shear. The tropical low will strengthen during the next 24 hours and it is likely to intensify to the equivalent of a tropical storm.

The tropical low will move south of a high pressure system centered north of Australia. The high will steer the tropical low toward the southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the tropical low will make landfall on the coast of Queensland between Karumba and Gilbert River Mouth in about 24 hours. It will be the equivalent of a tropical storm when it makes landfall. The tropical low could stall when it moves inland, which would cause a prolonged period of heavy rain. Flash floods could occur in parts of northern Queensland.

Tropical Cyclone Esther Develops Over Southern Gulf of Carpentaria

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.

Tropical Low Strengthens Over Gulf of Carpentaria

A Tropical Low designated as Invest 99P by some agencies strengthened over the Gulf of Carpentaria on Saturday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of the Tropical Low was located at latitude 14.3°S and longitude 138.2°E which put it about 110 miles (180 km) east of Groote Eylandt, Australia.  The Tropical Low was moving toward the south at 4 m.p.h. (6 km/h).  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 1000 mb.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Warning for the portion of the coast from Numbulwar to Kowanyama including Mornington Island.

More bands of thunderstorms began to develop around a Tropical Low on Saturday.  The bands were revolving around the center of circulation.  The Tropical Low will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  It will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  The Tropical Low is under an upper level ridge and the upper level winds are weak.  There will be little vertical wind shear and the Tropical Low is forecast to strengthen into a tropical cyclone.

The Tropical Low will move around the western end of a high pressure system.  The high will steer the Low toward the south.  On its anticipated track the Tropical Low will approach the coast of Australia near the border between Queensland and the Northern Territory.  It will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclones Trevor and Veronica Bracket Australia

Tropical Cyclones Trevor and Veronica bracketed Australia on Thursday night.  Tropical Cyclone Veronica was stronger but Tropical Cyclone Trevor was the more immediate threat.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Trevor was located at latitude 14.6°S and longitude 139.4°E which put it about 200 miles (320 km) east-northeast of Port McArthur, Australia.  Trevor was moving toward the southwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (170 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 967 mb.  A Tropical Cyclone Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cape Shield, Northern Territory to Karumba, Queensland.

Tropical Cyclone Trevor strengthened more quickly as more of the circulation moved over the Gulf of Carpentaria.  A circular eye formed at the center of circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Storms near the core of Trevor generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out about 30 miles (50 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 130 miles (210 km) from the center.

Tropical Cyclone Trevor will move through an environment favorable for intensification for about another 24 hours.  Trevor will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 31°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Trevor will continue to intensify on Friday and it could strengthen into the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Tropical Cyclone Trevor will move around the northwestern side of a subtropical ridge.  The ridge will steer Trevor toward the southwest.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Trevor will make landfall near Port McArthur in about 24 hours.  Trevor could be a major hurricane at that time.  It will bring strong winds, which could cause a significant storm surge at the coast.  Tropical Cyclone Trevor will drop heavy rain when it moves inland and it could cause flooding in some locations.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Veronica was located at latitude 17.8°S and longitude 116.7°E which put it about 200 miles (355 km) north-northwest of Port Hedland, Australia.  Veronica was moving toward the southwest at 4 m.p.h. (6 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 941 mb.  A Tropical Cyclone Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Pardoo to Mardie including Port Hedland and Karratha.

Tropical Cyclone Veronica remains the equivalent of a major hurricane.  A circular eye was surrounded by a ring of strong storms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Veronica.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out about 45 miles (75 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 155 miles (250 km) from the center.

Tropical Storm Veronica will remain in an area favorable for intensification for another 24 to 36 hours.  Veronica will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there is little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Veronica could strengthen on Friday.

Tropical Cyclone will move around the western end of a ridge of high pressure.  Veronica will move toward the south-southeast after it rounds the end of the ridge.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Veronica could make landfall on the coast of Western Australia between Karratha and Port Hedland in about 48 hours.  Veronica is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane at that time.

Tropical Cyclones Veronica and Trevor Threaten Australia

Tropical Cyclones Veronica and Trevor posed threats to Australia on Wednesday night.  Tropical Cyclone Veronica intensified very rapidly into the equivalent of a major hurricane on Wednesday off the coast of Western Australia.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Veronica was located at latitude 16.5°S and longitude 117.6°E which put it about 275 miles (445 km) north-northwest of Port Hedland, Australia.  Veronica was moving toward the south-southwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 145 m.p.h. (230 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 175 m.p.h. (280 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 929 mb.  A Tropical Cyclone Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Pardoo to Mardie including Port Hedland and Karratha.

Tropical Cyclone Veronica intensified very rapidly during the past 24 hours.  Veronica strengthened from the equivalent of a tropical storm to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.  A small pinhole eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of the circulation.  Storms near the core were generating strong upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical cyclone.

Tropical Cyclone Veronica had a large circulation.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out about 45 miles (75 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 200 miles (320 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Veronica was 29.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 18.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 48.4.

Tropical Cyclone Veronica will remain in an environment favorable for strong tropical cyclones for several more days.  Veronica will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Veronica could strengthen into the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane during the next 24 hours.  If a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall, then an eyewall replacement cycle could cause fluctuations in the intensity of Veronica.

Tropical Cyclone Veronica will move around the western end of a subtropical ridge.  The ridge will steer Veronica toward the south-southwest.  Tropical Cyclone Veronica could move toward the south-southeast after it rounds the western end of the ridge.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Veronica could approach the coast of Western Australia in about three days.  Veronica could be the equivalent of a major hurricane at that time.

Tropical Cyclone Trevor moved over the eastern Gulf of Carpentaria on Wednesday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Trevor was located at latitude 13.1°S and longitude 141.1°E which put it about 55 miles (90 km) southwest of Weipa, Australia.  Trevor was moving toward the southwest at 2 m.p.h. (3 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 minium surface pressure was 988 mb.  A Tropical Cyclone Watch was in effect for the coast from Nhulunbuy to Karumba.

The circulation of Tropical Cyclone Trevor was gradually reorganizing as the center moved farther into the Gulf of Carpentaria.  Trevor will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 31°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Trevor will intensify during the next 48 hours and it could strengthen into the equivalent of a major hurricane.  On its anticipated track Trevor is forecast to approach the southwest of the Gulf of Carpentaria near Port McArthur in about 48 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Trevor Brings Wind and Rain to Northern Queensland

Tropical Cyclone Trevor brought wind and rain to northern Queensland on Tuesday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Trevor was located at latitude 13.1°S and longitude 141.9°E which put it about 35 miles (55 km) south of Weipa, Australia.  Trevor was moving toward the west at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 973 mb.

A Tropical Cyclone Warning remained in effect for the west coast of the Cape York Peninsula from Cape York to Pormpuraaw.  The Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Tropical Cyclone Watch for the east coast of the Northern Territory from Nhulunbuy to the border between the Northern Territory and Queensland.

Tropical Cyclone Trevor made landfall on the east coast of the Cape York Peninsula near Lockhart River on Tuesday.  Trevor was the equivalent of a major hurricane when it made landfall.  Tropical Cyclone Trevor moved slowly westward across the peninsula to a position south of Weipa.  Trevor brought strong gusty winds and dropped locally heavy rain over the Cape York Peninsula.

Tropical Cyclone Trevor weakened steadily while it move over land.  The eye filled with lower clouds and the number of strong thunderstorms around the core and in the rainbands decreased.  However, the circulation remained intact.  Tropical Cyclone Trevor retained a well defined low level circulation with a distinct tight center.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Trevor will move over the eastern Gulf of Carpentaria in a few hours.  Trevor will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next several days.  It will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 31°C.  Tropical Cyclone Trevor will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Trevor is likely to intensify when it moves back over water.  It could intensify rapidly once an eye and an eyewall redevelop at the core of the circulation.  Tropical Cyclone Trevor could strengthen into the equivalent of a major hurricane within 48 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Trevor will move around the northwestern part of a subtropical ridge.  The ridge will continue to steer Trevor toward the west for another day or so.  After that time Tropical Cyclone Trevor will move more toward the west-southwest.  On its anticipated track Trevor could reach the east coast of the Northern Territory in about 72 hours.  It is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane at that time.

Elsewhere, Tropical Cyclone Veronica developed quickly off the coast of Western Australia on Tuesday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Veronica was located at latitude 15.0°S and longitude 119.5°E which put it about 630 miles (1015 km) northeast of Learmonth, Australia.  Veronica was moving toward the west-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 990 mb.  Tropical Cyclone Veronica is also forecast to strengthen into the equivalent of a major hurricane and it could approach the coast of Western Australia in about four days.

Tropical Cyclone Riley Strengthens to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Riley strengthened into the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon on Friday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Riley was located at latitude 17.2°S and longitude 116.9°E which put it about 415 miles (675 km) north-northeast of Learmonth, Australia.  Riley was moving toward the west at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 976 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Riley strengthened, but the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical.  The strongest winds were occurring in a band the curled around the northern half of the center of circulation.  Storms in the band were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical cyclone.  Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were present in the western half of the circulation, but the bands in the eastern half of Tropical Cyclone Riley consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out about 35 miles (55 km) from the center of circulation and they were occurring mainly north of the center of Riley.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 130 miles (215 km) from the center.

Tropical Cyclone Riley was moving around the northwestern part of an upper level ridge.  The ridge was producing easterly winds which were blowing toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds appeared to converge with the upper level divergence on the east side of Riley to produce sinking motion in that part of the tropical cyclone.  The sinking motion was bringing drier air to the lower levels and it appeared to suppressing convection in that region.

Tropical Cyclone Riley may be close to its peak intensity.  Riley is currently over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C, but it will move over cooler water during the next few days.  The upper level ridge will continue to produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds could strengthen which would cause more vertical wind shear.  Riley could intensify during the next 24 hours, but it is more likely to gradually weaken during the next two or three days.

The ridge will steer Tropical Cyclone Riley toward the west-southwest during the next few days.  On its anticipated track Riley will remain north of the coast of Western Australia,  However, watches and warnings are in effect for portions of the coast in case the Tropical Cyclone Riley moves more toward the south.  A Tropical Cyclone Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Whim Creek to Onslow including Karratha and Dampier.  A Tropical Cyclone Watch is in effect from Onslow to Exmouth.

Elsewhere around Australia, a Tropical Low was dropping heavy rain over portions of northern Queensland.  At 1:00 p.m. EST the center of the Tropical Low was located at latitude 13.8°S and longitude 141.3°E which put it about 80 miles (125 km) north-northwest of Pormpuraaw, Australia.  It was moving toward the southeast at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 1002 mb.  Locally heavy rain could cause floods in parts of northern Queensland.

Tropical Low Prompts Warning for Northern Queensland

A tropical low over the Gulf of Carpentaria prompted the issuance of warnings and watches for northern Queensland on Thursday.  A Tropical Cyclone Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Mapoon to Karumba.  A Tropical Cyclone Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Karumba to the border between Queensland and the Northern Territory including Mornington Island.

At 7:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of the tropical low was located at latitude 13.0°S and longitude 139.9°E which put it about 135 miles (220 km) west of Weipa, Australia.  It was moving toward the north at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h).  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 1002 mb.

The circulation around the tropical low exhibited more organization on Thursday.  A band of showers and thunderstorms wrapped around the western and northern sides of the center of circulation.  Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were developing over the Gulf of Carpentaria.  Storms near the center of circulation began to generate upper level divergence which was pumping mass away in outflow channels to the northwest and southeast of the tropical low.

The tropical low will move through an environment favorable for intensification.  It will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  The tropical low will be in an area where the upper level winds are weaker and the vertical wind shear will be limited.  The tropical low is likely to intensify during the next 24 to 36 hours and it is forecast to become a named tropical cyclone.

The tropical low is under the northeastern portion of an upper level low.  It is in a small region where the steering winds are weaker and the tropical low meandered over the eastern Gulf of Carpentaria on Thursday.  Northerly winds blowing around the upper level low are forecast to steer the tropical low toward the south during the next day or two.  On its anticipated path the tropical low is expected to move over the eastern Gulf of Carpentaria near the coast of Queensland.  If the tropical low follow its anticipated track, it will make landfall on the south coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria in about 48 hours.  However, any eastward deviation would bring the tropical low inland over Queensland much sooner.

Elsewhere, Tropical Cyclone Riley strengthened northwest of Australia.  At 7:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Riley was located at latitude 16.5°S and longitude 118.8°E which put it about 265 miles (425 km) north of Port Hedland, Australia.  Riley was moving toward the west at 4 m.p.h. (6 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 Tropical Cyclone Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Whim Creek to Onslow, Australia including Karratha and Dampier.

Tropical Cyclone Penny Forms Over Gulf of Carpentaria

Tropical Cyclone Penny formed over the eastern Gulf of Carpentaria on Monday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Penny was located at latitude 12.7°S and longitude 140.9°E which put it about 70 miles (110 km) west of Weipa, Australia.  Penny was moving toward the east-southeast at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 996 mb.

A Tropical Cyclone warming was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cape York to Pormpuraaw including adjacent coast areas.

A tropical low over the eastern Gulf of Carpentaria strengthened on Monday and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Penny.  The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Penny was still organizing.  A band of showers of showers and thunderstorms wrapped around the western and northern sides of the center of circulation.  Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Penny.  Storms near the core were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical cyclone.

Tropical Cyclone Penny could strengthen during the next few hours.  Penny will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.   It will move through an area where the upper level winds are weaker and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Cyclone Penny will make landfall on the Cape York Peninsula near Weipa in about 12 hours.  Penny will weaken while it crosses northern Queensland.  Tropical Cyclone Penny could strengthen again when it moves over the Coral Sea in 24 to 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Penny will move south of a ridge centered northeast of Australia.  The ridge will steer Penny in an east-southeasterly direction.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Penny will make landfall on the Cape York Peninsula near Weipa in about 12 hours.  Penny could emerge over the Coral Sea south of the Lockhart River in 24 to 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Penny will bring rain and wind to the west coast of the Cape York Peninsula.  Penny will drop locally heavy rain over parts of northern Queensland.  The heavy rain could cause flooding.  A Flood Watch is in effect for coastal catchments north of Caldwell, Australia and the Cape York Peninsula.

Tropical Cyclone Owen Makes Landfall in Queensland

After making landfall on the southwest coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria, Tropical Cyclone Owen reversed course and it is now making landfall on the coast of Queensland between Kowanyama and the Gilbert River Mouth.  At 1:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Owen was located at latitude 16.2°S and longitude 141.4°E which put it about 55 miles (85 km) south-southwest of Kowanyama, Australia.  Owen was moving toward the southeast at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 975 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Karumba to Cape Keerweer, Queensland and adjacent coastal areas including Kowanyama, Pormpuraaw, Croydon and Palmerville.

Tropical Cyclone Owen moved quickly across the southern Gulf of Carpentaria during the past 24 hours.  The circulation around Owen reorganized after the center of circulation moved away from the southwest coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria.  An eye reformed at the center of circulation and more thunderstorms developed.  Tropical Cyclone Owen strengthened back into the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.  The circulation around Owen is small.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force only extend out about 20 miles (35 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extend out about 100 miles (160 km) from the center.

Tropical Cyclone Owen will be capable of causing minor wind damage over a localized area near the center of circulation.  Locally heavy rain will fall along the track of Owen as it moves inland across Queensland.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Owen is forecast to pass south of Cairns and it could be near Townsville in about 36 hours.  The rain will likely cause flooding in some locations.  A Flood Warning has been issued for the Jordan River.  Flood Watches have been issued for the Gulf of Carpentaria, south Cape York Peninsula and coastal catchments from Cape Tribulation to Rainbow Beach in Queensland.