Queensland and NT brace for wild weather as Cyclone Alfred forms in Gulf of Carpentaria
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Version 0 of 1. Territorians and Queenslanders are bracing for wild weather after tropical Cyclone Alfred formed in the Gulf of Carpentaria, with one remote Indigenous community moving to higher ground. Forecasters say the category one cyclone is tracking south-east and should weaken before hitting land on Tuesday, somewhere between Borroloola and the Northern Territory/Queensland border. Winds up to 100km/h and heavy rainfall which may lead to flooding is possible in communities between Port Roper and the border. Sustained gusts could develop near coastal and island communities including Groote Eylandt as the cyclone moves closer to the coast, the Bureau of Meteorology said. “Gales may extend along the Queensland coast west of Mornington Island early on Tuesday if the system takes a more easterly track,” the bureau said. “Large waves may produce minor flooding along low-lying coastal areas.” The deluge may lead to strong rises in the Carpentaria coastal rivers during the next couple of days, with many catchments already saturated from monsoonal conditions during the past two weeks. “Road conditions have been affected in many areas and some roads remain impassable,” the bureau said. “Some communities may remain isolated until conditions improve.” Minor flooding was already occurring along the McArthur river, and residents in affected areas were warned to prepare. The manager of McArthur River Caravan Park, Annita Pohlman, said floodwaters had cut off Borroloola, and people from the nearby Indigenous community of Garawa had been evacuated. “They’ve taken them up to the safe house and the preschool,” she said. “But we’ve still got a while before we have to worry about evacuation.” Pohlman has told park residents to stock up on food, water and other essential items. “We’re just going to enjoy it and go with the flow, there’s not much we can do,” she said. “On a positive note, fishing will be good once it’s all settled down.” |