Tropical Cyclone Kirrily intensifies to Category 3

Tropical Cyclone Kirrily has intensified into a Category 3 system as it heads towards Townsville, with wind gusts reaching 165km/h. In an update this afternoon, the Bureau of Meteorology said Kirrily would cross the Queensland coast tonight as a Category 3 system. From Friday, Kirrily is likely to track further inland as a tropical low, resulting in heavy to intense rain in parts of the northern interior and western Queensland. Destructive wind gusts of up to 155 km/h may develop about coastal and island communities between Ayr and Bowen this evening, extending north to Ingham tonight. The Bureau warns that very destructive wind gusts to 170 km/h may occur near the centre as Kirrily crosses the coast around Townsville. Heavy rain, which may lead to flash flooding, is likely to develop in coastal areas and nearby areas inland between Tully and Bowen during this afternoon before spreading further inland this evening and tomorrow. Intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is possible near the track of the system. A flood watch is also current for these areas. Rail lines, port and airport close Queensland Rail has closed sections of the regional rail network as Tropical Cyclone Kirrily nears the coastline. "Currently, the North Coast line from Rockhampton to Cairns and the Mount Isa and Central West lines are closed," Queensland Rail head of regional Scott Cornish said. "Due to the impacts of the cyclone, where possible and where it is safe to do so, Spirit of Queensland, Tilt Train and freight services are continuing to operate between Brisbane and Rockhampton only." He said crews had strategically placed ballast trains at secure locations across the network and ensured depots were stocked with all necessary rail supplies in Mackay, Proserpine and Townsville to prepare for recovery work. "We have been working closely with freight operators to ensure critical freight has already been moved, with remaining trains stowed at safe locations across the network," Mr Cornish said. "Following record volumes of rainfall in the wake of ex-tropical cyclone Jasper, our crews were able to reopen the North Coast line in less than a week with 3000 cubic metres of ballast, tonnes of road base and flood rock materials used for the repairs. We remain ready for recovery once cyclone Kirrily passes." The Townsville Airport terminal is closed and Port of Townsville moved to Condition Red today, closing operations there. “Re-entry to the port will, of course, be determined by how the weather system unfolds overnight and human safety will be the primary consideration in getting the port back up and running,” Port of Townsville general manager customer, operations and safety Drew Penny said. “Once we have determined it is safe to do so, we expect a staged reopening of landside operations, followed by commercial shipping, under the direction of Maritime Safety Queensland. “Throughout this week, our cyclone preparations have flowed very smoothly. The Port team, our service providers and customers have done an excellent job to ensure we are well-placed to endure the heavy rains and strong winds expected.” Image at top of page: The tropical cyclone forecast track map issued at 2.58pm.

Tropical Cyclone Kirrily intensifies to Category 3

Industry Queensland

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