Queensland Prepares for the Force of Severe Tropical Cyclone

My fellow Aussies, it seems old mate Kirrily may be heading our way later this week. As of this morning, the Bureau has spotted a nagging tropical low brewing out near the reef. She's still in her infancy now, but given the inviting waters of the Coral Sea, this gal's likely to gather strength over the coming days. 

By Monday or Tuesday, experts reckon she'll be worthy of an official moniker - Kirrily it is then. Models are suggesting she may pack a fair bit of a wallop too, possibly reaching category three intensity as she dances closer to home. Based on current projections, Thursday is shaping as the day old Kirrily could make landfall somewhere between Innisfail and Airlie Beach. 

Now while the forecasters have a bit more confidence in her path than last week, there's still some grey area about her exact arrival plans. One thing's for sure though - when she does come ashore, she'll bring plenty of rain, winds that could cause damage, and a nasty storm surge. As of one o'clock today, watches are already in place along the coast and a little inland from Ayr up to St Lawrence.

The timing of her appearance will play a big role in deciding just how salty her surge is too. Thursday's high tides fall in the morning and evening around Townsville and later in the arvo at Mackay. Factor in acategory three cyclone swinging through at the same time and you're looking at a bloody messy situation indeed.

Even after Kirrily weakens on land, don't think you're in the clear - her leftovers are set to deliver heavy rain and breezy conditions well inland across central, southern and southeast Queensland into next week. So do us all a favour and start getting ready now fellas. Stay safe out there!

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