Tuesday, 11 December 2018
Issued at: 2.15 pm CST

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Owen has been gaining strength as it moves throughout the Gulf of Carpentaria and is now expected to reach Tropical Cyclone strength on Tuesday evening.

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

“Predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology at this stage are that the system may reach Category 1 cyclone strength this afternoon at the earliest,” Regional Controller Travis Wurst said.

“Depending on conditions in the Gulf of Carpentaria, this could reach up to Category 3, with the associated strong winds and rainfalls.

“We’re also warning seafarers in the area to take care with gale force winds expected and a marine wind warning issued for the region.”

Emergency Services are warning that if the system deviates from its current path and moves further west, gale force winds are possible along the Territory’s coast as far north as Cape Shield. Squally showers and thunderstorms are likely over the eastern region.

“We’re asking people in the area to be prepared for these wet and windy conditions,” Regional Controller Wurst said.

“Make sure your homes and emergency kits are prepared and your friends and neighbours are aware that this system is coming.”

At this stage the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) hasn’t issued flood warning for the area and there’s a low chance of storm surges.

“People travelling through the area should still take care and stay away from flooded roads and waterways,” Regional Controller Wurst said.

“You don’t know what the road conditions are, whether there are submerged branches and crocodiles are an ever present danger in the Top End.”

More information on weather warnings is available via the BOM website: http://www.bom.gov.au/nt/warnings while cyclone preparedness tips can be found online at Secure NT: https://securent.nt.gov.au/prepare-for-an-emergency/cyclones and the Northern Territory Emergency Service website: http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Emergency-Service/Public-safety-advice/Household-emergency-planning.aspx

Media Contact

Jessica Tapp

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