10 Dec 2023 | 02:50 AM UTC
Australia: Tropical Cyclone Jasper tracking west-southwestward to the east of Queensland as of the afternoon of Dec. 10 /update 3
TC Jasper tracking west-southwestward in the Coral Sea afternoon Dec. 10. Landfall over Far North Queensland, Australia, early Dec. 13.
Tropical Cyclone Jasper has weakened into a Category 2 tropical cyclone and is tracking west-southwestward in the Coral Sea to the east of Queensland the afternoon of Dec. 10. As of 13:00 AEST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 900 km (559 miles) east of Cairns, Australia.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will weaken into a Category 1 tropical cyclone as it tracks generally westward over the Coral Sea through early Dec. 12 before strengthening into a Category 2 tropical cyclone and making landfall over the coast of the Far North Region of Queensland, Australia, early Dec. 13. After landfall, Jasper is forecast to weaken into a Category 1 tropical cyclone as it tracks westwards across the Far North Region through Dec. 14 before weakening further into a tropical disturbance as it exits into the Gulf of Carpentaria early Dec. 15. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast; significant changes could occur in the coming days.
As of the afternoon of Dec. 10, the Australia Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds over parts of Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Central Coast and Whitsundays forecast districts in Queensland. Winds along parts of the northern Queensland coastline are forecast to strengthen Dec. 11. Locally damaging winds averaging 60-70 kph (37-43 mph) are likely for offshore islands north of Mackay and possible along exposed parts of the coastline between Conway Beach and Cape Upstart early Dec. 11. Winds are forecast to reach warning thresholds offshore and south of Bowen from the late morning of Dec. 11, while winds will strengthen north of Bowen the evening of Dec. 11. Winds are forecast to ease through the Central Coast Dec. 12.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous.
The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters pose a serious health threat.
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical cyclone conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
