Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia lies over the Coral Sea approximately 160km east northeast of Mackay. The cyclone is expected to turn more southwest during the next few hours and make landfall between Mackay and Gladstone early on Friday as a category 4 cyclone. A trough extends southwards from the tropical cyclone near the Wide Bay and southeast Queensland coasts.
Heavy rain and locally damaging wind gusts are possible from the coast to the ranges between Double Island Point and Brisbane, extending to the state’s southern border and the eastern Darling Downs and southern Burnett later tonight and Friday. The heavy rain may lead to flash flooding, with some 24 hour totals possibly in excess of 300mm. Damaging wind gusts may reach around 90 km/hr, mostly near the coast and ranges.
Water levels on the high tide are likely to exceed the highest tide of the year from today. Dangerous surf conditions and beach erosion are also expected on exposed beaches.
Riverine flooding:
A flood watch is current for the Wide Bay and Burnett, Southeast Coast and the Darling Downs & Granite Belt District forecast districts.
A Tropical Cyclone Warning is current for areas between Bowen and Double Island Point.Tropical Cyclone Watch is current for adjacent inland areas between Bundaberg and Double Island Point.
Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, the Lockyer Valley, Ipswich, Brisbane, Caboolture, the Sunshine Coast, Kingaroy and Gympie.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
- Move your car under cover or away from trees.
- Secure loose outdoor items.
- Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
- Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
- Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
- Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
- Surf Life Saving Australia recommends that you stay out of the water and stay well away from surf-exposed areas.
- Check your property regularly for erosion or inundation by sea water, and if necessary raise goods and electrical items.
- For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 219. The Bureau and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
Issued at 6:00 pm Thursday, 19 February 2015.