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Update: Tropical Cyclone Hamish 9am March 9 2009
03/9/2009

A cyclone warning remains current for coastal and island communities from Yeppoon to Hervey Bay. A cyclone watch remains current for coastal and island communities from Hervey Bay to Tewantin.

At 7.00am, Severe Tropical Cyclone Hamish, a category 4 cyclone, was estimated to be 215 kilometres north-east of Yeppoon and 345 kilometres north of Bundaberg, moving south-east at 12 kilometres per hour.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Hamish poses a threat to exposed coastal and island communities between Yeppoon and Hervey Bay including Heron and Lady Elliot Islands. The cyclone is expected to maintain a southeast track parallel to the coast during the next 24 hours and slowly weaken.

Damaging winds are expected to affect exposed islands between Yeppoon and Hervey Bay, and may affect coastal areas in this region if the cyclone takes a more southerly track.

Damaging winds are not expected to develop about coastal and island communities between Hervey Bay and Tewantin during the next 24 hours, however they may develop within 48 hours.

As the cyclone moves to the southeast, sea levels are expected to be elevated above the normal tide along the coastline and large waves may produce minor flooding along the foreshore, particularly between Yeppoon and Gladstone on the high tide this morning. 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 has been issued for large south-easterly swells and inundation above the normal high tide between Proserpine and Yeppoon.

Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) has advised that whilst no official evacuations are currently underway, residents in the cyclone watch and warning areas are still asked to ensure their families and property are prepared for possible severe weather conditions.

Preparation tips include:
• Listening for regular weather and safety updates from media outlets including your local ABC Radio;
• Creating an emergency kit. This should contain a first aid kit, torch, battery operated radio, spare batteries, matches, waterproof bags, necessary medication, spare clothing, valuables, canned food, water supplies and timber strips, hammers and nails for temporary repairs. A list of emergency numbers and important documentation should also be placed in this kit;
• Boarding windows, storing loose items inside, locking up pets, filling up your car with fuel and placing it under cover; and
• If advised to evacuate, lock your house, take your emergency kit and follow instructions from emergency personnel.



People are urged to limit travel into the cyclone watch and warning areas over the next few days, and be aware of the dangers of flash flooding in drains, creeks and causeways after heavy rain and stay away from these areas. Do not attempt to cross flooded roadways.

For assistance from the SES contact 132 500, for life-threatening emergencies dial triple zero (000).

For more information on how to prepare for a cyclone the public are urged to visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au and for the latest weather reports visit the Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au


Contact: For more information contact Department of Emergency Services Media on 3247 8186