Tropical Cyclone Watch issued for northern Queensland

10/12/2023

Issued 7pm AEST Sunday 10 December 2023

A Tropical Cyclone Watch has been issued for areas between Cape Melville to Townsville, including Cairns and Cooktown.

As of 4 pm AEST today, Tropical Cyclone Jasper remains a category 2 and is situated 880 km east of Port Douglas and 850 km east of Cairns.

The system is moving in a general westwards direction at 14 kilometres per hour. Jasper is forecast to maintain intensity during Monday and Tuesday.

Jasper is forecast to intensify to a category 3 cyclone shortly before making landfall on Wednesday, most likely between Cooktown and Cardwell.

Damaging winds are expected to develop along the Queensland coast between Cooktown and Ingham, including Cairns from Tuesday and may extend as far south as Townsville or as far north as Cape Melville depending on Jasper's movement.

Heavy rainfall is expected to develop along the coast from late Tuesday.
As the cyclone approaches the coast, abnormally high tides are possible and large waves are likely along the coast.

Communities in these areas are advised to review their cyclone plan.
For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, check with your local council or emergency services.

The next Information Bulletin will be issued by 11pm AEST.

For the latest Tropical Cyclone advice and track maps, visit: http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/

For Tropical Cyclone Outlooks, visit: http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/outlooks/index.shtml

Know your weather. Know your risk. Communities should stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings via our website and BOM Weather app and follow advice of emergency services.

ENDS