In anticipation of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, which is expected to hit Australia’s northeast coast on Thursday and bring damaging winds and torrential rain, residents have started to fortify their homes and businesses.
The storm system is currently moving west over the Coral Sea, according to authorities, and Thursday night’s crossing of the mainland is expected to bring gusts of up to 140 kph (87 mph).
“It is still moving fairly directly towards Townsville, but it is also becoming stronger and faster,” Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) spokesperson Miriam Bradbury told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday.
According to the Bureau, the cyclone will produce storm tides between Townsville and Mackay that would worsen flooding and heavy rains that may result in “dangerous and life threatening flash flooding.”
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The Queensland state government announced that over 100 schools in the impacted area were closed on Thursday, and that several Australia Day events that were originally planned for Friday had been postponed.
In preparation of the severe weather, Queensland Rail services north of Rockhampton were halted, and several airlines canceled their flights to and from Townsville and Hamilton Island.
While the storm passes, locals and visitors to Hamilton Island, a well-liked vacation spot, are encouraged to stay inside. On the island, a community refuge center has been established to offer housing.
On Friday, the storm system is predicted to move into Queensland’s interior, bringing with it heavy rain and a higher risk of floods.
The government of Queensland stated that although more flood rescue-trained emergency services teams had been sent in, locals still needed to get ready.
Premier of Queensland Steven Miles told reporters in Brisbane, “We’re ready and prepared for the worst, now we wait and hope for the best.”
He stated, “We want Queenslanders to know that now is the right time to make sure they’re prepared.” Ensure your emergency supply bag is well filled. Make sure you have adequate necessities on hand in case you need to survive for a few days without electricity.
The region was struck by Tropical storm Jasper in December, the first tropical storm of the Australian season, which runs from November to April in the hot southern hemisphere. This is the second cyclone to slam the area in as many months.
