UPDATE: Cyclone Kimi continues to track towards coast

The Far North is bracing as Tropical Cyclone Kimi continues to move slowly south west towards the coast.

At 8:00pm the latest tracking map shows the forecast path of the cyclone has shifted south of Port Douglas, now expected to cross the coast closer to Cairns on Monday night, however, the Bureau of Meteorology says uncertainty remains.

“Tropical cyclone Kimi has been moving slowly south-southeast today, but is expected to turn more to the south-southwest tomorrow,” the Bureau said.

“The slow southward movement has delayed the expected crossing time.

“The system is currently expected to cross the coast late on Monday between about Port Douglas and Innisfail.

“There remains considerable uncertainty with the crossing time and location.”

The system may intensify further over the next 24 hours and reach category 2 before landfall.

Warning zone

The Bureau has issued a cyclone waring for areas between Cooktown and Lucinda, extending inland to Mareeba and Chillagoe, and including Cairns, Port Douglas, Cardwell, and Atherton.

Hazards

The Bureau has forecast destructive winds with gusts to 130 km/h may develop about coastal and island areas between Port Douglas and Innisfail on Monday afternoon or evening as the core of the cyclone approaches.

Gales with gusts to 120km/h may develop about coastal and island areas between Cooktown and Innisfail from early Monday morning. These gales may extend inland to Mareeba and Chillagoe, or further south to Cardwell, later on Monday depending on the movement of the cyclone.

Heavy rainfall is forecast to develop about coastal and adjacent inland areas between Cape Flattery and Cardwell from Sunday evening. A Flood Watch is current for this area.

Abnormally high tides are likely tonight and on Monday as the cyclone approaches and crosses the coast, however they are unlikely to exceed the highest tide of the year.

Closures

The Daintree Ferry had been set to close at midnight due to Cyclone Kimi, however,  a Council spokesperson said due to the unexpected delay in the forecast coastal crossing of the Cyclone, the Daintree Ferry will resume normal operations on Monday morning at 5:00am

"Douglas Shire Council and the ferry contractors will provide a further update on the status of the ferry service mid-morning tomorrow, unless there is a significant development overnight," the spokesperson said.

In preparation for possible impacts of TC Kimi, access to Mossman Gorge is now closed. 

The Shannonvale Causeway & Bloomfield Track are also closed.

Recommended Action

People between Cooktown and Lucinda should immediately prepare.

- For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit Queensland's Disaster Management Services website (www.disaster.qld.gov.au)

- If you choose to take shelter away from your home, stay COVID-19 safe and pack a mask and hand sanitiser (if you have them).

- For emergency assistance call the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 (for assistance with storm damage, rising flood water, fallen trees on buildings or roof damage).