The Tropical low east of Groote Eylandt is moving south and expected to develop into Cyclone Esther overnight.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The cyclone could reach category 2 as it lands near Robinson River on the NT side of the Queensland border.
A warning zone is in place from Port Roper to Kowanyama, including Groote Eylandt, Borroloola, Mornington Island, and Karumba, and inland areas between Borroloola and Normanton, including Doomadgee.
Areas further inland between Limmen National Park and Century Mine, including Brunette Downs are in the watch zone.
The tropical low is moving east southeast at 7 kilometres per hour and sustaining winds near the centre of 45 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 85 kilometres per hour and is estimated to be 255 kilometres east of Groote Eylandt and 260 kilometres north of Mornington Island.
The BoM said it should continue to move southward and intensify and develop into a tropical cyclone tonight or early Monday morning.
The system could still briefly reach category 2 prior to making landfall about the southern Gulf of Carpentaria coast between about Borroloola and Mornington Island on Monday.
Gales with gusts to 110 kilometres per hour are expected to develop about coastal and island communities between Port Roper and Kowanyama, including Groote Eylandt, Mornington Island, Borroloola, Burketown, and Karumba, later tonight or early Monday morning. These may extend further inland over the Northern Territory and far northwest Queensland later on Monday as the system moves inland.
Destructive winds with gusts to 130 kilometres per hour are possible in coastal areas between about Borroloola and Mornington Island, including Bing Bong, early on Monday as the system approaches.
The Monday Rex flight to Mornington Island has been cancelled due to the weather conditions.
A storm tide between Port McArthur and Karumba is expected as the cyclone centre crosses the coast. Tides are likely to rise significantly above the normal high tide, with damaging waves and dangerous flooding between Port McArthur and Karumba. Abnormally high tides are expected to develop about the southwestern Gulf of Carpentaria coast over the next couple of days. Large waves may produce at least minor flooding along low-lying coastal areas. 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 rain with the potential to cause flash flooding is expected in areas around the Gulf of Carpentaria over the coming days. Flood Watches are current for Gulf of Carpentaria catchments.
While you are here subscribe to our weekly email to your inbox at 6am every Friday