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11 months ago
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Residents and visitors in the tourist mecca of Cairns could face the full brunt of Cyclone Jasper as it barrels closer to the Australian mainland.
The category 3 storm, which is expected to intensify to category 4 overnight and then category 5 on Friday, is expected to hit northern Queensland, between Cooktown and Townsville, late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.
Currently it is tracking towards Cairns with communities north of Mackay advised to review their cyclone plans.
However, the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) warned the effects of the cyclone could be felt much further, with some models predicting the system may reach down to Gladstone.
'Every year tropical cyclones impact Queensland communities producing dangerous and destructive high winds, heavy rainfall, flash flooding and storm surges,' the Service said.
Cyclone Jasper is expected to make landfall in north and central Queensland early next week (pictured, US Global Ensemble Forecast System model for Cyclone Jasper)
Currently it is tracking towards Cairns with communities north of Mackay advised to review their cyclone plans
'Tropical cyclones can last for many days before finally ending over land or cold oceans.
'The wind and rain that comes with them can affect far further than where the cyclone lands.'
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts that Jasper, now a category 3 storm, will intensify to a category 4 late on Thursday as it makes its approach towards the North Queensland coast.
The system may even reach category 5 on Friday, the highest cyclone strength designation.
Jasper was recorded as having sustained 40km/h winds near the centre with gusts to 195km/h on Thursday morning.
The popular holiday spot of Cairns could hit by Cyclone Jasper when it makes landfall next week
Queensland Fire and Emergency Service recommends checking your property and creating an emergency kit and plan before Cyclone Jasper arrives
The system may even reach the highest cyclone strength designation of category 5 on Friday.
However, as it moves towards Australia it is expected to weaken to a category 2.
Its exact speed of movement hasn't been provided by the BoM, aside from it being described as 'slow moving'.
Jasper is not only the first tropical cyclone of the season but is also believed to be the first to form off Australia in December during an El Nino.
'It is rare to see a December cyclone let alone one where we do have El Nino,' a BoM spokesperson said.
'It is unusual to be seeing this. There aren't too many cyclones we have seen through the month of December let alone early December.'
The BoM will issue regular updates to keep communities informed as the situation evolves over coming days.
Residents in affected areas should begin preparing for a cyclone as soon as the first warnings appear.
Cyclone Jasper has intensified to a category 4 and is expected to pick up strength
HOW TO SURVIVE A CYCLONE
BEFORE
Residents in affected areas should begin preparing for a cyclone as soon as the first warnings appear.
Make an emergency kit and plan
Your emergency kit should contain everything your household needs to survive serval days without access to power and clean water.
This should include:
- Enough water for three days - roughly 10 litres per person
- Enough non-perishable food for three days and cutlery, a can opener and plates
- Cooking equipment - portable stove and fuel
- Self-powered items including a radio, torches, portable charger
- A first-aid kit
- Essential medications
- Warm and protective clothing
- Toiletries
- Important documents (sealed in plastic bags)
- Cash
- Bedding
- Pet supplies
- Extra batteries
Your household should also prepare an emergency plan and know how to turn off the main supply for water, power and gas.
Your plan should include which local shelter you will head to if needed, the best route from your home to the shelter, what you will leave behind in an emergency situation, what room you will shelter in and how you will stay in contact with friends and family.
QFES also recommends filling your vehicle with fuel and parking it in a sheltered area in case you need to evacuate.
Check your property
Properties in the firing line of a cyclone need to be cleared of any projectiles that cause injury or damage.
QFES recommends clearing out your gutters and downpipes, taking down shade sails, moving caravans and boats to an undercover area or securely anchor to the ground and trimming any dangerous trees.
All outdoor furniture - including trampolines and garden pots - should either be moved indoors or tied down.
Homeowners should also check their windows and door seals are in good condition.
Check your neighbourhood
Contact your local council or energy supplier if you see any trees in your street that could fall and damaged homes or power lines.
DAY OF CYCLONE
On days the cyclone is forecast to affect your area the QFES advises closely monitoring local warnings.
Households should also:
- Fill emergency containers with drinking water
- Close all windows and consider taping plastic sheeting on the inside to avoid wind-driven rain
- Ensure everyone and all pets are inside the home
- Double-check emergency kit is ready
QFES also encourages residents to check-in on friends and loved ones to ensure they're cyclone ready too.
DURING THE CYCLONE
QFES urges everyone in cyclone affected areas to listen and adhere to local warnings shared on the radio and television.
If told to evacuate, head to your closest council shelter.
'Emergency services or local council personnel may visit your area to pass on warnings,' QFES said.
'If a warning is issued, make sure everyone in your home is aware of the warning and advice.'
During a cyclone, all members of your household should be wearing enclosed shoes and tough clothing for protection.
All electricity, gas and water to the home should be turned off at the main supply.
If your home is hit by a cyclone and you have not evacuated, QFES advises you to:
- Go to the shelter room specified in your emergency plan
- Stay tuned into local information through a radio
- Stay inside your home until officials advise it is safe to leave
If your home is damaged in the storm, QFES recommends hiding under a strong table, bench or heavy mattress.
'If you are driving when the cyclone hits, stop the vehicle and engage the handbrake,' QFES said.
'Stop well away from the sea and clear of trees, power lines and streams.
'Stay in the vehicle.'
AFTER THE CYCLONE
Do not go outside your shelter until authorities advise it is safe to do so. The eye of cyclones can appear calm before dangerous conditions pick up again.
QFES recommends checking in with family and friends once the storms passed.
If you are returning home from an evacuation shelter, follow the route recommended by emergency services and avoid driving through flood water, even if it appears shallow.
Inspect and photograph any damage done to your property for insurance purposes.
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