Tropical Cyclone Warning for East Queensland

Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia is predicted to intensify to a Category 4 system as it crosses the Queensland coast between Mackay and Gladstone early on Friday morning with destructive winds with gusts of up to 270 km/h expected near the core of the system.

Gales are expected to develop about coastal and island communities between Bowen and Double Island Point this evening (Thursday), and extend inland to areas including Blackwater, Moura, Biloela, and Monto overnight and into Friday morning.

Residents in the coastal warning zone, between Mackay and Double Point (including Gladstone and Bundaberg) are warned of the potential for a dangerous storm tide as the cyclone crosses the coast.

Abnormally high tides are expected today and tomorrow, with levels above the highest tide of the year with flooding of low lying areas likely. People are urged to listen closely to the advice of local emergency management authorities.

Heavy rainfall associated with the cyclone and a trough is forecast to affect catchments from Rockhampton and south to the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast and eastern parts of the Northern Tablelands in NSW from today (Thursday) through to Saturday.

Widespread daily rainfall totals between 100-300 mm are forecast, with the heaviest falls expected within coastal catchments. Higher localised falls are possible, as is localised flash flooding.

The Bureau’s Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre in Brisbane operates 24/7, with forecasters monitoring the situation and providing the latest information to emergency services, media and the community.

To assist with an increased demand in services, the Bureau has redeployed staff from other states to Brisbane, including tropical cyclone specialist forecasters, hydrologists and other support staff.

The public are urged to closely monitor the Bureau’s website for the latest information, tune in to the media and local radio and listen to the advice of emergency services.

For further information www.bom.gov.au/cyclone

Gladstone;s Harbour Master has declared that the entire Gladstone Region is at Blue Alert Status (Gladstone Region Extreme Weather Plan at msq.qld.gov.au/Safety/Preparing-for-severe-weather.aspx refers) for both flood and cyclone events.

All vessel owners, Masters and Agents in the Gladstone Region are to take precautions and make plans accordingly.

It is expected that if the Tropical Low continues to intensify, becomes a Tropical Cyclone and follows its predicted track that some or all of the Region will progress to Yellow Alert Status at or after 0600 on tomorrow (Thursday 19 February) and to Red Alert Status at or after 1800. Again plans should be made to fit these expected timings, although they will be refined as the situation develops in the coming hours.

As of 1200 yesterday Wednesday 18 February, shipping movements into Gladstone Harbour, Port Alma and Bundaberg have been suspended. Departures and movements within the Ports will continue as planned at this time.

The Bureau is now also using Twitter to disseminate significant weather information to the Queensland community. Follow @BOM_Qld. The Bureau's website remains the most up-to-date and comprehensive official source of information.

For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit www.emergency.qld.gov.au/emq/css/cyclone.asp