Improved coastal waters forecast service for Torres Strait

02/10/2013

Torres Strait community as part of a major upgrade to its forecast and warning services.

Bureau of Meteorology Queensland Regional Director Rob Webb said the new Torres Strait coastal waters zone would cover the entire Australian area of the Torres Strait.

“The Bureau is increasing the number of coastal waters forecast zones in Queensland from 11 to 14, which will result in a more detailed forecast of conditions,” Mr Webb said.

“Mariners in the Torres Strait will now receive a comprehensive four-day wind and wave forecast, along with marine wind warnings for the current and following day.

“The Torres Strait covers an area of more than 42,000km2 and includes a large number of islands and coral atolls.

“The area experiences strong winds, strong tidal currents and rough wave conditions which can make travel in small boats dangerous.

“Providing a single forecast and warning service will make it easier for mariners to access up-to-date information when they go boating in these waters” Mr Webb said.

Mr Webb said the forecasts would be updated ever six hours whenever warnings were current to ensure boaters were able to plan their trips using the latest information.

“A Marine Wind Warning Summary for Queensland waters will also be available through the Bureau’s website.”

The improvements to the Bureau’s coastal waters forecasts are due to the implementation of the Next Generation Forecast and Warning System (NextGenFWS) in Queensland, a $30.5 million investment by the Australian Government. The NextGenFWS has already been successfully rolled out in Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. The Northern Territory will follow today’s launch in Queensland.

Go to water forecast services for more information.