Posted by JAC on 3/7/2009, 10:40 pm, in reply to "Cyclone Hamish Forms off Northeast Australian Coast"

http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/mtsat/flt/t1/loop-ft.html TOP PRIORITY FOR TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVICE NUMBER 21 Issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, Brisbane Issued at 10:47am on Sunday the 8th of March 2009 A Cyclone WARNING remains current for coastal and island communities from Bowen to Bundaberg. A Cyclone WATCH remains current for coastal and island communities from Bundaberg to Tewantin. Severe Tropical Cyclone Hamish, a CATEGORY 5 CYCLONE, is located off the north Queensland coast and at 10:00 am EST was estimated to be 175 kilometres northeast of Mackay and 335 kilometres north of Yeppoon, moving south southeast at 19 kilometres per hour. Severe Tropical Cyclone Hamish poses a very significant threat to coastal and island communities between Bowen and Bundaberg. The cyclone is expected to maintain a south-southeast track parallel to the coast during the next 24 to 48 hours. Damaging wind gusts are expected to affect coastal and island communities between Bowen and Bundaberg during the next 24 hours. Destructive winds are expected to affect exposed coastal and island communities between Mackay and Gladstone during the next 24 hours. Damaging winds are not expected to develop about coastal and island communities between Bundaberg and Tewantin during the next 24 hours, however they may develop within 48 hours. As the cyclone moves to the south-southeast, sea levels are expected to be elevated above the normal tide along the coastline south of the cyclone. Large waves may produce minor flooding along the foreshore. People living in areas likely to be affected by this flooding should take measures to protect their property as much as possible and be prepared to help their neighbours. Heavy rainbands associated with Severe Tropical Cyclone Hamish are likely to cause some flooding in smaller coastal rivers and streams between Mackay and Yeppoon during today and into Monday. Heavy rainfalls are likely to affect the coastal streams between Yeppoon to Maryborough during Monday and Tuesday. A separate Flood Warning has been issued for these areas. Details of Severe Tropical Cyclone Hamish at 10:00 am EST: .Centre located near...... 20.1 degrees South 150.5 degrees East .Location accuracy........ within 28 kilometres .Recent movement.......... towards the south southeast at 19 kilometres per hour .Wind gusts near centre... 295 kilometres per hour .Severity category........ 5 .Central pressure......... 925 hectoPascals People between Bowen and Bundaberg should immediately commence or continue preparations, especially securing boats and property.