Just so it gets a mention.

TC Esther was named yesterday, and crossed the coast near Mornington Island this morning about 10.45am, as I'm typing this.



http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDQ65002.shtml

Issued at 7:47 am AEST Monday 24 February 2020. Refer to Tropical Cyclone Advice Number 19.

Tropical cyclone Esther is moving southwest closer to the Gulf of Carpentaria coast.

Areas affected:

Warning zone: Port Roper to Gilbert River Mouth, including Borroloola and Mornington Island and adjacent inland areas between Cape Crawford and Century Mine, including Doomadgee.

Watch zone: None.

Cancelled zones: None.

Details of Tropical Cyclone Esther at 7:00 am AEST:

Intensity: category 1, sustained winds near the centre of 75 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 100 kilometres per hour.
Location: within 35 kilometres of 16.4 degrees South, 138.9 degrees East , 45 kilometres northwest of Mornington Island and 280 kilometres east of Borroloola .
Movement: southwest at 13 kilometres per hour .

Tropical cyclone Esther is located to the northwest of Mornington Island and is moving southwest towards the Gulf of Carpentaria coast. Esther is expected to continue moving southwest and cross the coast between Borroloola and Mornington Island as a category 1 cyclone later today. It will then move westwards into the Northern Territory while weakening.

Hazards:

GALES with gusts to 110 kilometres per hour are occurring intermittently on Mornington Island, and on the mainland between the NT / Queensland border and Burketown. GALES may extend further to coastal and island communities between Port Roper and Gilbert River Mouth (including Borroloola, Burketown, Doomadgee, and Karumba), later on Monday depending on the movement and intensity of tropical cyclone Esther. These GALES may extend further inland over the Northern Territory and far northwest Queensland late on Monday as the system moves inland.

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 today, and will then move west following the weaking cyclone over the coming days. Flood Watches are current for Gulf of Carpentaria catchments.

Recommended Action:

In the Northern Territory, NTES advises:
- People in Port Roper to the NT/Qld Border and surrounding areas should take action to complete preparations.
- Take shelter in a secure place as wind and rain arrive.
- Government services and the local school at Robinson River will stop from operating for today.
- Listen for the next advice.
- For cyclone safety and preparation advice www.securent.nt.gov.au

In Queensland:
People between the NT/Qld border and Burketown, including Mornington and Sweers Islands and Doomadgee, should remain inside until the cyclone has passed and listen to the next advice at 11am AEST.
People elsewhere between the NT/Qld border and Gilbert River Mouth, including Karumba, and inland areas between Normanton and the NT/Qld border, should immediately commence or continue preparations, especially securing boats and property.
- 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).

Details:
Time (AEST) Intensity Category Latitude
(decimal deg.) Longitude
(decimal deg.) Estimated Position
Accuracy (km)
0hr 7 am February 24 1 16.4S 138.9E 35
+6hr 1 pm February 24 1 16.8S 138.4E 60
+12hr 7 pm February 24 1 17.1S 137.7E 80
+18hr 1 am February 25 1 17.2S 136.9E 105
+24hr 7 am February 25 tropical low 17.3S 136.0E 130
+36hr 7 pm February 25 tropical low 17.3S 134.5E 165
+48hr 7 am February 26 tropical low 17.1S 132.9E 200
+60hr 7 pm February 26 tropical low 16.7S 131.3E 235
+72hr 7 am February 27 tropical low 16.2S 129.7E 270

Tropical Cyclone information is also available in MetEye

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