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Tropical Cyclone Debbie remains at category 2 intensity off the north Queensland coast. It currently lies in the western Coral Sea and is expected to move west-southwestwards towards the northeast coast of Queensland over the next few days, whilst strengthening. It is expected to cross the coast tomorrow morning (28 March), but there is some uncertainty in the timing and movement of the system.
Debbie is expected to continue moving west-southwest towards the north Queensland coast while potentially developing into a severe tropical cyclone during today. It is forecast to make landfall as a severe tropical cyclone between Townsville and Proserpine on Tuesday morning.
A Hurricane Force Wind Warning is in place today (27 March) for Mackay Coast, with winds east to southeasterly 25-33 knots south of Sarina, possibly reaching up to 35 knots at times. Winds north of Mackay 30-40 knots, reaching 50 knots at times, mostly offshore. Winds above 64 knots are possible in the far north depending on movement and development of Tropical Cyclone Debbie. Seas and swell exceeding 8 metres are forecast.
For tomorrow (28 March), winds above 64 knots are possible north of Mackay, depending on movement and development of the system. Winds tending east to northeasterly 25-35 knots south of Mackay, then becoming northeasterly 25-33 knots throughout from late afternoon.
Areas of heavy rain with the potential to cause severe flash flooding are expected to develop about parts of the northern and central Queensland coast and adjacent inland areas later today and continue through Tuesday. Widespread daily rainfall totals of 200 mm, with isolated falls of 400 mm, are also likely to lead to major river flooding over a broad area next week, and a Flood Watch is current for coastal catchments between Cardwell and Gladstone, extending inland to the eastern Gulf River catchments.
Townsville: The port was expected to move to condition RED (full closure) today. The latest TC Track indicates a crossing slightly further South than Ayr, but Townsville is still expected to receive strong gale force winds & heavy rain over the next 36 hours.
Hay Point & Mackay: The Harbour Master closed the Mackay and Hay Point Pilotage Areas at 1400 hours local time yesterday (Sunday 26 March).The Mackay Region VTS Centre has been relocated from Hay Point to the Mackay Office in preparation for TC Debbie. VHF radios and the telephone lines have been tested correct and the centre has an operational AIS picture of the region.
Dalrymple Bay & Hay Point Coal Terminals: No vessels alongside. The terminals have suspended all movements until further notice prior to the Harbour Master’s advice. All cargo from the mine sites to port stockpiles by train was suspended yesterday evening.
Abbot Point Coal Terminal: No vessels alongside. The terminal has completed cyclone shutdown.
Mackay Harbour: No vessels alongside or waiting to anchor.
Once the threat passes, the terminals & Harbour Master will assess the situation ie for any damage to infrastructure, berth pockets and channel clearance, etc. This could be 24-36 hours after the passing of the cyclone.
Coal mines in the regions are understood to still be operating as normal. Depending on movement of the Tropical Cyclone when it crosses the coast sometime Monday evening/Tuesday morning, the mine sites could be affected.
For information about operations at Australia ports contact GAC Australia at [email protected]