Australia: Cyclone Trevor prompts evacuations in Northern Territory Mar. 21 /update 2

Event

Tropical Cyclone Trevor has moved into the Gulf of Carpentaria as of Thursday, March 21, and is expected to dramatically strengthen before making a second landfall near the Pellew Islands in Northern Territory on the morning (local time) of Saturday, March 23. Around 1600 residents around Borroloola have evacuated as of Thursday and further evacuations are likely ahead of landfall. Trevor is expected to strengthen to the equivalent of a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 195 kph (121 mph) just before it hits land. Damaging winds, heavy rain, and a high storm surge are expected for the southwestern coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Consequent flooding, power outages, and transportation disruptions are possible, including the closure of National Highway 1.

Severe weather, including a strong storm surge, is expected to continue in northern Queensland, particularly on the west coast of Cape York between Mapoon and Aurukun. Flooding and associated disruptions are possible.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders, road closures), and anticipate power and telecommunication outages, severe weather, flooding, and transportation disruptions (e.g. flight cancelations, road closures).

Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items in contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.