Evacuation Centres Begin Setting Up As Cyclone Jasper Approaches Land

Evacuation centres are being set up across north and far-north Queensland as residents prepare for Cyclone Jasper to make landfall.

The latest advice from the Bureau of Meteorology has labelled Cape Flattery to Townsville – not including Townsville, but Cairns, Innisfall, and Palm Island on warning.

Cape Melville to Cape Flattery, extending inland to include Palmerville and Chillagoe are meanwhile on watch.

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From Tuesday, gales and damaging winds of up to 120km/h are expected to develop along the coast between Cape Flattery and Townsville and could affect inland regions when Cyclone Jasper crosses the coast on Wednesday.

The BOM also warned flash flooding could occur due to heavy rainfall forecasted from early Wednesday morning.

Twenty-four-hour rainfall totals between 150 to 250mm are likely, while isolated falls could reach 350mm.

While Cyclone Jasper has weakened to a category one system, the BOM predicts it will cross land as a category two.

“The system is now forecast to cross as a category two system on Wednesday, most likely between Cooktown and Innisfail,” the BOM said.

“Jasper will weaken as it moves inland during Thursday towards the Gulf of Carpentaria. If the system is slower and crosses overnight Wednesday or Thursday, a slim chance remains of a severe category three crossing.”

For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit Queensland’s Disaster Management Services website

For emergency assistance with storm damage, rising flood water, fallen trees on buildings or roof damage, call the Queensland SES on 132 500.

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