Tropical Cyclone Owen has re-developed into a category 1 system in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria and is forecast to intensify further..
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 cyclone will continue to move west during the rest of this evening.
“We expect it to slow down during Wednesday or Thursday and then move east towards the Queensland coast,” Regional Controller Travis Wurst said.
“It is possible that the cyclone will reach category 3 if the conditions in the Gulf of Carpentaria allow it.
“At this stage we anticipate it to cross the southeast coast of the Gulf on Friday.”
Regional Controller Wurst said extensive planning and preparation has been undertaken locally in the areas impacted by the warning, as well as at a regional level.
“Local community meetings have been held across the North East Top End,” he said.
“Communities are well aware of the cyclone warnings and are making preparations.”
Heavy rainfall is also expected to develop about the islands and coastal areas of the western and southern Gulf of Carpentaria, with a marine wind warning issued for the Roper Groote Coast.
Those located within the Warning zone from Cape Shield to Burketown, including Groote Eylandt, could also experience gales with gusts up to 110 kilometres per hour on Wednesday.
“Anyone thinking about venturing out to sea over the next several days is urged to reconsider their need to travel while these dangerous weather conditions are impacting the area,” Regional Controller Wurst said.
“We’re asking people in the area to be prepared for these wet and windy conditions.
“Make sure your homes and emergency kits are prepared and your friends and neighbours are aware that this system is coming.”
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has not yet issued flood warning for the area and at this stage 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. There could be submerged branches or trees, 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
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