Tropical Cyclone Owen is intensifying and located approximately 105 kilometres south of Groote Eylandt and 90 kilometres north northwest of Port McArthur.
The storm is moving slowly and appears to have commenced changing course as predicted, moving west southwest at seven kilometres per hour. It is anticipated that it will continue to change direction and move easterly from early to mid-morning.
If the cyclone takes a more southern or western path on Thursday morning before commencing its eastward track, it may come to within close proximity of Port Roper and Port McArthur.
“The Bureau has advised us that it is possible that Owen will reach category 3 intensity early Thursday morning,” said Incident Controller Brendan Muldoon.
“At this stage, it is likely that Groote Eylandt, Borroloola, Port Roper and Port McArthur are experiencing gales with gusts up to 110 kilometres per hour, with the possibility of destructive winds with gusts up to 130 kilometre per hour developing near Port Roper and along the coast towards the NT/QLD border.”
From Thursday morning, Tropical Cyclone Owen may progress to a category 3 storm, resulting in very destructive winds with gusts to 170 kilometres per hour along the coast near Port Roper.
During Thursday, islands and coastal areas of the western and southern Gulf of Carpentaria are expected to receive heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding.
As the cyclone approaches the coast, a storm tide between Port Roper in the Northern Territory and Karumba in Queensland may develop. This could result in tides that are significantly higher than normal, damaging waves and minor flooding between Port Roper and Karumba.
Tides are also expected to be higher between Alyangula and Port Roper, with large waves that may produce minor flooding between the two areas.
Seventy people have moved to Borroloola’s two public shelters. None have attended the Numbulwar shelter.
“With the shelters open in Numbulwar and Borroloola, we are confident that people in the affected communities have been adequately prepared,” said Incident Controller Brendan Muldoon.
“People are currently still able to access shelters, but I want to stress that no travel should be undertaken unless it is to a shelter.
“Risks still remain with destructive winds and heavy rainfall expected.
“People need to remain alert to the dangers that this cyclone will soon present.
“Tropical Cyclone Owen is still expected to affect the Northern Territory for another 24 hours.
“With winds at incredibly dangerous speeds, it is extremely important that people stay indoors, whether that is in a public shelter or in their home if they chose to remain there.
“Do not attempt to travel anywhere as you could endanger your life and those who may need to come to your rescue.
“Regular updates will be provided and you will be informed when it is safe to venture outside again.”
The prediction remains that the cyclone will cross the cross the Queensland coast on Friday.
People seeking tips on cyclone preparedness online can visit Secure NT: https://securent.nt.gov.au/prepare-for-an-emergency/cyclones or the Northern Territory Emergency Service website: http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Emergency-Service/Public-safety-advice/Household-emergency-planning.aspx
The BOM website has the most recent warnings and weather advice: http://www.bom.gov.au/nt/warnings
Media Contact
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