Tuesday, 11 December 2018
Issued at: 0915hrs CST

Tropical Cyclone Warning

A Tropical Cyclone warning has been issued for parts of the north-west Top End, including Cape Shield and Groote Eylandt.

Bureau of Meteorology predictions suggest Ex-Tropical Cyclone Owen will intensify as it moves through the Gulf of Carpentaria and is expected to redevelop into a Tropical Cyclone during Wednesday morning.

A Warning has been issued for communities from Cape Shield in the Northern Territory, including Groote Eylandt, through to Burketown in Queensland.

“A cyclone warning means gales with gusts up to 110 kilometres per hour are expected between Cape Shield and the NT/QLD border in the next 24 hours, along with heavy rain about the islands and coastal areas in the southern and western parts of the Gulf,” Regional Controller Travis Wurst said.

“People should stay away from beaches and coastal areas because of higher than normal tides and wind-driven surf as Ex Tropical Cyclone Owen approaches. Coastal flooding may occur in the area, which is also dangerous.”

“Residents in the Warning zone should remain indoors as the weather deteriorates later tonight.”

Those in the Warning zone need to be ready for wet and windy conditions and finalise their home preparations including:  

• Parking vehicles under solid shelter (with the handbrake on and in gear).
• Putting wooden or plastic outdoor furniture in your pool or inside with other loose items.
• Drawing curtains and shut doors.
• Packing a kit with essential medications, baby formula, nappies etc, valuables, important papers, photos, mementoes in waterproof bags as part of your emergency kit.
• Checking neighbours (especially new arrivals) are aware of the situation and are preparing.
• Remaining indoors (with your pets) and do not move to public shelters unless advised by local authorities.
• Staying tuned to your local radio/television for further information.

A list of what residents should include in their emergency kit can be found on the Northern Territory Emergency Service website: http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Emergency-Service/Public-safety-advice/Household-emergency-planning.aspx

Cyclone preparedness information is available at SecureNT: https://securent.nt.gov.au/prepare-for-an-emergency/cyclones

For more information on weather warnings go to the BoM website: http://www.bom.gov.au/nt/warnings

Media Contact

Jessica Tapp

0476 835 348