Tropical Cyclone Kirrily Upgraded to Category Three, Expected to Cross Queensland Coast
Tropical Cyclone Kirrily has been upgraded to a category three storm and is expected to cross the Queensland coast within hours, bringing heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 170km/h. The cyclone was updated to a category three storm on Thursday afternoon and is predicted to cross the Queensland coast later in the night.
A category three storm is considered a “severe tropical cyclone” and can attract very destructive winds of up to 224 km/h. Cyclone Kirrily is expected to make landfall between Ingham and Bowen in the vicinity of Townsville, with very destructive wind gusts of 170km/hr forecast near the center of the storm.
In preparation for the severe weather event, the Queensland premier, Steven Miles, declared a disaster and requested assistance from the federal government and other states. Measures have been put in place to address the potential impacts of the cyclone, including sandbagging and ensuring the safety of residents.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has warned all communities within the warning zone are at risk of heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding over the coming days. Magnetic Island residents have been advised to have sufficient boiled drinking water for at least three days in case of power failures.
The Queensland police service and water police are on standby for assistance, and pre-emptive assistance from the federal government has been requested for aviation support in rescue aviation and heavy-lift capability.
Overall, communities and authorities are preparing for the worst as Tropical Cyclone Kirrily approaches the Queensland coast, taking necessary precautions and measures to ensure the safety of residents and minimize the potential impacts of the storm.
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