23 Mar 2018 | 04:55 PM UTC
Australia: Tropical Cyclone Nora to hit Queensland March 24
Tropical Cyclone Nora forecast to hit Queensland coast March 24, possibly as a Category 4 storm; severe weather expected through March 26
Event
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warned on Friday, March 23, that Tropical Cyclone Nora is expected to make landfall on the Queensland coast on Saturday, March 24, or Sunday, March 25. As of 22:00 (local time) Nora is a Category 3 storm and located approximately 240 km (149 mi) northeast of Nhulunbuy (Northern Territory) and moving into the Gulf of Carpentaria. The storm has sustained winds of up to 150 km/h (93 mph) with gusts up to 205 km/h (127 mph). According to BOM forecasts, Nora may intensify into a Category 4 cyclone on Saturday as it moves towards the western Cape York Peninsula.
Tropical Cyclone Nora will bring strong winds and heavy rains to parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory. Emergency officials warned that damaging gusts are possible from Thursday Island to Pormpuraaw on Saturday, and from Pormpuraaw to Gilbert River Mouth on Saturday night into Sunday, March 25. Heavy rains are projected in the Torres Strait and the Cape York Peninsula and could cause flash flooding
Context
The Australian cyclone season typically lasts from November to April.
Advice
Individuals present in the affected regions are advised to monitor local weather reports and weather alerts issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, confirm travel reservations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
