Tropical cyclone advice -- BOM

At 10:00 am EST (Jan 30) a tropical low was estimated to be 265 kilometres northeast of Townsville and 325 kilometres north of Proserpine and moving west southwest at 16 kilometres per hour towards the coast.

The tropical low is expected to move in a general southwest direction and develop before crossing the Queensland coast between Lucinda and Proserpine on
Friday morning.

The low and a strong ridge of high pressure further south are combining to generate gales at times along much of the east coast between Cardwell and St
Lawrence. Winds are expected to increase further between Lucinda and St Lawrence, and particularly about the Central Coast and Whitsundays district,
during today with damaging wind gusts to 120 kilometres per hour possible.

Heavy rain, which may lead to flash flooding, is expected to develop about coastal and adjacent inland areas of the north tropical coast and tablelands,
Herbert and Lower Burdekin and the Central Coast and Whitsundays districts during today.

Coastal residents between Lucinda and St Lawrence, including Townsville are specifically warned of the dangerous storm tide, particularly on the high tide
today and on Friday. The sea is likely to rise steadily up to a level well above the normal tide, with damaging waves and flooding of some low-lying areas
close to the shoreline. 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 follow instructions regarding evacuation of the area if advised to do so by the authorities.

A storm tide is expected between Cardwell and Lucinda, particularly on the high tide on Thursday and Friday. 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.

A separate Severe Weather Warning is current for remaining coastal and island communities from Cooktown to Cardwell and from St Lawrence to Gladstone.

People between Cardwell and Mackay should take precautions.  

- Information is available from your local government
- For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit Queensland's Disaster Management Services website (www.disaster.qld.gov.au)
- For emergency assistance call the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 (for assistance with storm damage, rising flood water, fallen trees on buildings or roof damage).