Rockhampton Regional Council is reminding the community to be prepared, not complacent with the Tropical low in the Coral Sea forecast to potentially make landfall as a severe tropical cyclone North of Mackay this week.
Local Disaster Management Chair, Mayor Tony Williams said the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) has been activated to Alert and is monitoring the system closely.
"We can never truly be 100% prepared for a natural disaster, but being aware of the risks and adequately preparing will go a long way in helping to protect you, your family, and your home," Mayor Williams said.
"The most recent bulletin from the Bureau of Meteorology predicts that Cyclone Kirrily will form in the Coral Sea overnight tonight or during Wednesday and make landfall most likely between Cardwell and Airlie Beach during Thursday.
"Cyclone Kirrily is likely to generate heavy to locally intense rainfall impacting the Rockhampton Region with the potential of flash flooding or riverine flooding. At this stage, there is uncertainty to when the potential flood event might occur but it is likely to be the end of this week or from the beginning of next week.
"It is imperative our Region is prepared in the event of storm surges and localised rainfall as a result of the potential cyclone.
"Given this most recent advice, the Local Disaster Management Group has been activated to Alert and we will likely decide within the next 24 hours of the availability of sand bagging stations for residents.
"We are currently working with other agencies involved in the LDMG to prepare for the weather impacts and residents should also start to prepare their homes.
"As always, weather can be very unpredictable so we are encouraging residents to be aware, but not alarmed at this stage and to monitor the weather via Council's Emergency Dashboard on our website.
"As we are also dealing with a low intensity heatwave, this is a reminder to check in on those who are most vulnerable at this time, particularly the elderly, whether they are relatives, friends or neighbours and also make sure pets have access to shade and water.
Five steps to assist you in preparing your household for natural hazards and emergencies are:
Step 1. Understand your risks.
Step 2. Prepare an Emergency Plan.
Step 3. Prepare an Emergency Kit.
Step 4. Prepare your home.
Step 5. Protect your pet.
For latest updates, emergency information, handy contacts, preparedness information and updates including road, weather and power conditions visit our emergency dashboard -https://emergency.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/
