WHAT IS HAPPENING AT WHITE ISLAND VOLCANO??? New Zealand/Kermadec & South Pacific QUAKE/VOLCANO WATCH

This is John Titor, new islands will appear and New Zealand itself will get bigger.

It will happen east of Florida.

Also in Japan, where I am now.

well, we're not letting you get away with that one so easily fella.

more please!

New Zealand Earthquake Report

Magnitude 4.4, Monday, January 21 2013 at 4:36:05 am (NZDT) reviewed

Felt it?
Quake Details
Information about this earthquake and historical location data.

Public ID 2013p053108
Universal Time January 20 2013 at 15:36:05
NZ Daylight Time Monday, January 21 2013 at 4:36:05 am
Latitude, Longitude -46.93, 166.08
Intensity ? strong
Focal Depth 14 km
Magnitude 4.4
Location 130 km north-west of Snares Islands

maps
[link to www.geonet.org.nz]

the latest nz 3.0+ mag quakes

3.1 08:38:39 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 96.9 km

4.4 04:36:05 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 13.9 km

4.0 02:11:21 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 524.8 km

3.8 01:33:18 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 105.8 km

3.8 23:37:54 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 117.0 km

5.2 13:45:57 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 137.9 km

3.3 13:20:55 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 21.1 km

3.7 12:21:20 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 26.3 km

3.4 11:58:26 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 22.0 km

4.1 10:55:14 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 12.5 km

3.4 09:25:39 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 15.6 km

3.4 08:13:24 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 274.1 km

3.0 07:17:06 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 6.6 km

3.6 07:09:11 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 7.1 km

4.6 21:15:08 Sat 19 Jan 2013 Depth: 11.8 km

4.2 16:37:55 Sat 19 Jan 2013 Depth: 8.5 km

3.6 16:17:05 Sat 19 Jan 2013 Depth: 8.8 km

3.5 13:07:10 Sat 19 Jan 2013 Depth: 18.6 km

3.6 12:34:54 Sat 19 Jan 2013 Depth: 22.5 km

4.7 05:00:25 Sat 19 Jan 2013 Depth: 92.8 km

4.7 05:00:25 Sat 19 Jan 2013 Depth: 92.8 km

3.7 20:42:16 Fri 18 Jan 2013 Depth: 12.0 km

4.0 19:13:22 Thu 17 Jan 2013 Depth: 470.0 km

3.4 14:42:05 Thu 17 Jan 2013 Depth: 105.5 km

3.6 02:57:19 Thu 17 Jan 2013 Depth: 60.8 km

4.5 08:04:51 Wed 16 Jan 2013 Depth: 212.9 km

3.7 06:40:36 Tue 15 Jan 2013 Depth: 8.8 km

3.9 23:06:34 Mon 14 Jan 2013 Depth: 4.0 km

3.6 08:24:59 Sun 13 Jan 2013 Depth: 61.4 km

3.5 05:33:33 Sun 13 Jan 2013 Depth: 5.1 km

Hi Tauranga!!! No electricity, no cell phones, no whater untill now, since friday!!! Tuff ciclone!!!

Volcano Activity in New Zealand on Monday, 21 January, 2013 at 08:02 (08:02 AM) UTC.

Description
Scientists are warning Mount Tongariro may erupt again as the Department of Conservation looks at re-opening the remainder of the iconic Tongariro Crossing next month. GNS Science say emissions of steam and a gas plume have been a continuous feature of the mountain since the August 2012 eruption. Scientist Tony Hurst said the volcano is still in an "active" state. "Therefore we have to be prepared there will be other events like that without any warning," said GNS Scientist Tony Hurst. The risk of another eruption is causing concern for the Department of Conservation as it prepares to reopen the northern section of the Tongariro Crossing which was damaged in the August eruption. Department of Conservation Ruapehu Area Manager Jonathan Maxwell told ONE News the eruption had not dampened the popularity of the 19.4 kilometre walking track. He said DOC was forced to close an access way to the track shortly before Christmas when tourists began flocking to the area. "It's become a destination so in the end total anarchy broke out with cars and buses," said Maxwell. "There were wing mirrors being knocked off and cars damaged as well as people trying to park in incredibly stupid places." GNS Scientists are also concerned neighbouring Mt Ruapehu may be due to erupt. Gas samples show there could be a blockage underneath the volcano's surface. The blockage could burst and erupt without warning. Tourism operator Stewart Barclay from Adrift Outdoors said tourism on Mt Ruaphu and Mt Tongariro is reliant on the findings of GNS scientists. "We can't do anything until the scientists scratch their heads and reckon it's all safe to go up," said Barclay. DOC has closed the area within 2km of the centre of crater lake at the summit of Mt Ruapehu.
[link to hisz.rsoe.hu]

hiya luis

i am very glad to hear that you have got through the storm ok

so is the weather back to normal now?

yes, i see that extinction protocol posted the same article..
[link to theextinctionprotocol.wordpress.com]

the latest nz 3.0+ mag quakes

4.3 10:33:39 Tue 22 Jan 2013 Depth: 288.4 km

3.1 09:13:27 Tue 22 Jan 2013 Depth: 7.3 km

4.1 04:44:56 Tue 22 Jan 2013 Depth: 291.2 km

3.1 00:31:29 Tue 22 Jan 2013 Depth: 94.5 km

3.0 23:48:38 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 5.2 km

3.3 18:51:50 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 225.1 km

3.0 18:18:10 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 53.2 km

3.4 11:41:37 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 12.0 km

4.0 02:11:21 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 524.8 km

3.1 08:38:39 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 96.9 km

4.4 04:36:05 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 13.9 km

4.0 02:11:21 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 524.8 km

3.8 01:33:18 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 105.8 km

3.8 23:37:54 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 117.0 km

5.2 13:45:57 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 137.9 km

3.3 13:20:55 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 21.1 km

3.7 12:21:20 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 26.3 km

3.4 11:58:26 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 22.0 km

4.1 10:55:14 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 12.5 km

3.4 09:25:39 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 15.6 km

3.6 07:09:11 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 7.1 km

4.6 21:15:08 Sat 19 Jan 2013 Depth: 11.8 km

4.2 16:37:55 Sat 19 Jan 2013 Depth: 8.5 km

3.6 16:17:05 Sat 19 Jan 2013 Depth: 8.8 km

3.6 12:34:54 Sat 19 Jan 2013 Depth: 22.5 km

4.7 05:00:25 Sat 19 Jan 2013 Depth: 92.8 km

4.7 05:00:25 Sat 19 Jan 2013 Depth: 92.8 km

3.7 20:42:16 Fri 18 Jan 2013 Depth: 12.0 km

4.0 19:13:22 Thu 17 Jan 2013 Depth: 470.0 km

4.5 08:04:51 Wed 16 Jan 2013 Depth: 212.9 km

White Island volcanic activity concern
MICHELLE COOKE
:20 22/01/2013

[link to www.stuff.co.nz]

Volcanic activity at White Island is the most "vigorous" in years and could mean a large explosive eruption is imminent, GNS Science says.

The volcano, off the Bay of Plenty coast, is the country's most active and showed heightened signs of unrest last year.

But it is the increased hydrothermal activity in the last three weeks which is of "significant concern", GNS vulcanologist Brad Scott says.

"I don't think I've seen anything this strong since the late 90s and 2000s."

The activity then led to a large eruption in July, 2000.

"The hydrothermal activity is some of the most vigorous I have seen at White Island for many years. This type of activity usually leads to stronger volcanic activity and is a significant concern," Scott said.

"Increases in hydrothermal activity often leads to explosive eruptions and that can be quite dangerous for visitors."

The activity may mean an eruption is imminent, but there is also a chance it could cease.

The volcano poses no threat to the mainland, however, as it is 48 kilometres from shore.

But White Island is a popular tourist attraction, with boat and flight tours heading there daily.

If it does explode, ash may reach the mainland and Bay of Plenty locals might smell gas, Scott says.

Scott's observations were based on a visit to the island yesterday.

Hydrothermal activity in the small 'hot lake' had increased, large amounts of sediment had surfaced and vivid white steam and gas was flashing from the base.

This was the sort of activity that had been increasing since late 2012 and was now semi-continuous, Scott says.

The lava dome that was first observed in late November has not changed since earlier this month.

There were elevated levels of volcanic tremors, likely generated by the hydrothermal activity, Scott says.

As usual, the volcano could erupt with little or no warning.

[link to info.geonet.org.nz]

Volcanic Alert Bulletin WI-2013/02 - White Island Volcano
Skip to end of metadataGo to start of metadata
22 January 2013, 10:00 am - Volcanic unrest increases; Volcanic Alert remains at level 1; Aviation Colour Code remains Yellow.


GNS Science Volcanologist Brad Scott visited White Island yesterday to assess the increased level of volcanic unrest.

Mr Scott’s observations confirmed that hydrothermal activity in the small 'hot lake' has increased. The most common activity is "doming-up" of the lake surface by steam/gas, bringing large amounts of sediment to the surface, often with vivid white steam/gas 'flashing' from around the base. Every so often stronger events happened. This activity has been increasing since late 2012 and is now semi-continuous.

GNS volcanologist Brad Scott said “the hydrothermal activity is some of the most vigorous I have seen at White Island for many years. This type of activity usually leads to stronger volcanic activity and is a significant concern.”

The lava dome that was first observed in late November has not changed since the last observations on 1 January 2013.

Seismicity continues to show elevated levels of volcanic tremor and this is likely to be generated by the processes driving the vigorous hydrothermal activity in the lake.

The state of unrest at White Island is increasing and future eruptions are possible with little or no warning. The increased level of unrest does mean that there is a hazard to visitors. Past activity indicates that eruptions, such as that which occurred on 5 August 2012, could occur with little or no warning, even when the Alert Level is 1 (volcanic unrest). Caution should be exercised when visiting the island.

GNS Science continues to closely monitor White Island through the GeoNet project.

Background
The Volcanic Alert Level ranges from 0 to 5 and defines the current status at a volcano. Level 1 indicates signs of volcanic unrest.

Aviation Colour Codes are based on four colours and are intended for quick reference only in the international civil aviation community.

Rare whale strands again

A second rare whale has been euthanised by the Department of Conservation after beaching itself at Sandy Pt yesterday.

It was the second time in 24 hours DOC had to put down an Arnoux's beaked whale, which is relatively rare.

Acting area manager for Murihiku/Southern Islands, Alan Christie, said the whale stranded at Sandy Pt less than a day after an unsuccessful DOC and community effort to save a whale at Omaui Beach.

DOC staff were notified of the second whale's beaching yesterday morning, he said.

The 8-metre-long whale was in a highly distressed state and DOC made a difficult decision, in consultation with local iwi, to euthanise the whale and end its suffering.

While an attempt to refloat the whale would have been ideal, several factors, including the tides and the whale's condition, made this impractical, Mr Christie said.

Among several parallels between the two strandings, he said, were that both whales were females of the same species and yesterday's stranding occurred at the Sandy Pt entrance of Invercargill Estuary, almost immediately opposite the first stranding.

It was reported that a second whale nearly beached on Saturday afternoon. The latest stranding might have been that whale, he said.

The whale euthanised on Sunday appeared to have been attacked by a shark and might have come close to shore to find safety, DOC said.

A similar scenario for the second whale had not been discussed by DOC biodiversity staff at the site, Mr Christie said.

Beaked whales were a deep-water species and the pod's proximity to land and shallow water might have been a factor in the beachings, Mr Christie said.

Scientific testing would be done on both whales for research purposes, and the results might help explain the cause of the beachings.

"Both strandings have placed pressure on DOC staff who are saddened by the outcomes," said Mr Christie. "DOC is grateful for the support that has been given by the community, iwi and Project Jonah staff."

[link to www.stuff.co.nz]
image

The volcano poses no threat to the mainland, however, as it is 48 kilometres from shore.

that is EXACTLY what the Minoans and people surrounding Krakatoa thought too

[link to www.nzherald.co.nz]
Experts warn of White Island eruption (+video)
...Mr Scott said seismicity was showing elevated levels of volcanic tremor, likely generated by the processes driving the vigorous hydrothermal activity in the lake.

The state of unrest at White Island was increasing and future eruptions were possible with little or no warning, he warned.

The increased level of unrest could result in a hazard to visitors.

- nzherald.co.nz

Yeah and Mount Tongariro is "smoking too" today.

[link to geonet.org.nz]

no, still very windyn and raining a lot. Still people without power and whater now...

from other thread

awesome, thank you

exactly

and they have said that (because of the spiny dome discovery) white island could now erupt differently in the future, and have huge effects on the mainland of the north island

i will try and find the link

oh yes, so it is

[link to www.geonet.org.nz]
and now look, there are lots of quakes occurring at white island

the latest nz 3.0+ mag quakes

3.4 07:12:33 Wed 23 Jan 2013 Depth: 90.7 km

3.2 06:21:24 Wed 23 Jan 2013 Depth: 9.5 km

3.3 05:19:01 Wed 23 Jan 2013 Depth: 115.6 km

3.7 05:17:54 Wed 23 Jan 2013 Depth: 341.6 km

3.1 02:31:52 Wed 23 Jan 2013 Depth: 264.9 km

3.6 00:45:41 Wed 23 Jan 2013 Depth: 215.9 km

3.3 16:39:33 Tue 22 Jan 2013 Depth: 9.7 km

4.3 10:33:39 Tue 22 Jan 2013 Depth: 288.4 km

3.1 09:13:27 Tue 22 Jan 2013 Depth: 7.3 km

4.1 04:44:56 Tue 22 Jan 2013 Depth: 291.2 km

3.1 00:31:29 Tue 22 Jan 2013 Depth: 94.5 km

3.0 23:48:38 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 5.2 km

3.3 18:51:50 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 225.1 km

3.0 18:18:10 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 53.2 km

3.4 11:41:37 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 12.0 km

4.0 02:11:21 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 524.8 km

4.4 04:36:05 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 13.9 km

4.0 02:11:21 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 524.8 km

3.8 01:33:18 Mon 21 Jan 2013 Depth: 105.8 km

3.8 23:37:54 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 117.0 km

5.2 13:45:57 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 137.9 km

3.7 12:21:20 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 26.3 km

4.1 10:55:14 Sun 20 Jan 2013 Depth: 12.5 km

4.6 21:15:08 Sat 19 Jan 2013 Depth: 11.8 km

4.2 16:37:55 Sat 19 Jan 2013 Depth: 8.5 km

4.7 05:00:25 Sat 19 Jan 2013 Depth: 92.8 km

4.7 05:00:25 Sat 19 Jan 2013 Depth: 92.8 km

4.0 19:13:22 Thu 17 Jan 2013 Depth: 470.0 km

4.5 08:04:51 Wed 16 Jan 2013 Depth: 212.9 km

map to see quake locations
[link to quakemap.co.nz]

New Zealand’s White Island volcano exhibiting strongest activity in decades
Posted on January 22, 2013 by The Extinction Protocol

[link to theextinctionprotocol.wordpress.com]
photo

January 22, 2013 – NEW ZEALAND – Volcanic activity at White Island is the most “vigorous” in years and could mean a large explosive eruption is imminent, GNS Science says. The volcano, off the Bay of Plenty coast, is the country’s most active and showed heightened signs of unrest last year. But it is the increased hydrothermal activity in the last three weeks which is of “significant concern,” GNS vulcanologist Brad Scott says. “I don’t think I’ve seen anything this strong since the late 90s and 2000s.” The activity then led to a large eruption in July, 2000. “The hydrothermal activity is some of the most vigorous I have seen at White Island for many years. This type of activity usually leads to stronger volcanic activity and is a significant concern,” Scott said. “Increases in hydrothermal activity often leads to explosive eruptions and that can be quite dangerous for visitors.” The activity may mean an eruption is imminent, but there is also a chance it could cease. The volcano poses no threat to the mainland, however, as it is 48 kilometers from shore. But White Island is a popular tourist attraction, with boat and flight tours heading there daily. If it does explode, ash may reach the mainland and Bay of Plenty locals might smell gas, Scott says. Scott’s observations were based on a visit to the island yesterday. Hydrothermal activity in the small ‘hot lake’ had increased, large amounts of sediment had surfaced and vivid white steam and gas was flashing from the base. This was the sort of activity that had been increasing since late 2012 and was now semi-continuous, Scott says. The lava dome that was first observed in late November has not changed since earlier this month. There were elevated levels of volcanic tremors, probably generated by the hydrothermal activity, Scott says. As usual, the volcano could erupt with little or no warning. -Stuff

10 volcanic earthquakes rattle Philippines’s Taal Volcano: activity increases in the last 24 hours
Posted on January 22, 2013

[link to theextinctionprotocol.wordpress.com]

January 22, 2013 – PHILIPPINES - The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Tuesday the seismic activity of Taal Volcano in Batangas province has increased in the past 24 hours. Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum, Jr. said the agency has recorded 10 volcanic quakes from 7 a.m. Monday to 7 a.m. Tuesday. But Solidum said no steaming has been observed in the past 24 hours and water temperature at the main crater lake decreased from 31.7 to 30.9 degrees Celsius. The Phivolcs chief noted the volcano’s Alert Level 1 will be maintained as “10 volcanic quakes are still appropriate for a volcano that is under abnormal level.” He said that a volcano under Alert Level 1 means that abnormal volcanic activities are observed, though a hazardous eruption is not imminent. Since January 18, Solidum said Taal Volcano was relatively calm, with its seismic network recording “zero to eight” volcanic earthquakes in a day. –MST

Black hole collision event may have irradiated Earth centuries ago
Posted on January 22, 2013

[link to theextinctionprotocol.wordpress.com]

January 22, 2013 – COSMOS - In 2012, cosmic-ray physicist Professor Fusa Miyake from Nagoya University in Japan announced the detection of high levels of the isotope carbon-14 and beryllium-10 in tree rings formed in 775 CE, suggesting that a burst of radiation struck the Earth in the year 774 or 775. Carbon-14 and beryllium-10 form when radiation from space collides with nitrogen atoms, which then decay to these heavier forms of carbon and beryllium. The earlier research ruled out the nearby explosion of a massive star as nothing was recorded in observations at the time and no remnant has been found. Professor Miyake also considered whether a solar flare could have been responsible, but these are not powerful enough to cause the observed excess of carbon-14. Large flares are likely to be accompanied by ejections of material from the Sun’s corona, leading to vivid displays of the northern and southern lights, but again no historical records suggest these took place. Following this announcement, researchers pointed to an entry in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle that describes a ‘red crucifix’ seen after sunset and suggested this might be a supernova. But this dates from 776, too late to account for the carbon-14 data and still does not explain why no remnant has been detected. In a paper, published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (arXiv.org version), the astronomers provide a new explanation consistent with both the carbon-14 measurements and the absence of any recorded events in the sky. They suggest that two compact stellar remnants – black holes, neutron stars or white dwarfs – collided and merged together. When this happens, some energy is released in the form of gamma rays, the most energetic part of the electromagnetic spectrum that includes visible light. In these mergers, the burst of gamma rays is intense but short, typically lasting less than two seconds. These events are seen in other galaxies many times each year but, in contrast to long duration bursts, without any corresponding visible light. If this is the explanation for the 774 / 775 radiation burst, then the merging stars could not be closer than about 3,000 light years, or it would have led to the extinction of some terrestrial life. Based on the carbon-14 measurements, the astronomers believe the gamma-ray burst originated in a system between 3,000 and 12,000 light years from the Sun. If they are right, then this would explain why no records exist of a supernova or auroral display. Other work suggests that some visible light is emitted during short gamma-ray bursts that could be seen in a relatively nearby event. This might only be seen for a few days and be easily missed, but nonetheless it may be worthwhile for historians to look again through contemporary texts. “If the gamma ray burst had been much closer to the Earth it would have caused significant harm to the biosphere. But even thousands of light years away, a similar event today could cause havoc with the sensitive electronic systems that advanced societies have come to depend on. –SCINEWS

Eruptive activity on the rise at two sites on Big Island’s Kilauea volcano
Posted on January 22, 2013

[link to theextinctionprotocol.wordpress.com]

January 22, 2013 – HAWAII – Eruptive activity at the Big Island’s Kilauea volcano is picking up at the Pu u Oo vent and Halemaumau Crater. At the Pu u Oo vent, situated in the volcano’s East Rift Zone, lava flows are sporadically spilling onto the east flank of the vent. The volume of lava streaming to ocean entry is increasing slightly, with small entry points now spread along the coastline near Kupapu Point on both sides of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The current ocean-entry flow has been under way since mid-November. This month marks the 30th anniversary of Kilauea volcano’s ongoing East Rift Zone eruption. During its first three years, spectacular lava fountains spewed from the Pu u Oo vent. Since then, nearly continuous flow has built a vast plain of slow-moving pahoe hoe lava stretching from the volcano’s rift zone to the Big Island’s shoreline. Also, in recent months, at Kilauea volcano’s summit caldera, the lava lake swirling in Halemaumau Crater has been rising to record levels. Since March 19, 2008, when an explosive eruption formed the lava lake, its surface level has remained mostly below the inner ledge (about 100 feet below the floor of Halemaumau Crater). It has, however, risen above and flooded the ledge in October 2012 and this month. According to Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists, “the lake level responds to summit tilt changes, with the lake receding during deflation and rising during inflation.” The best and closest place within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to catch a look at eruptive activity at Halemaumau is at the Jaggar Museum, which is near the summit. After sunset, the lava lake casts a vivid glow on the ever-present plume of volcanic gases rising from the site. On-island viewing of the ocean-entry lava flow is now largely limited to the Kalapana viewing area, which is maintained by Hawaii County and located outside of the national park. –Hawaii Mag

31: Tavurvur volcano erupts in Papua New Guinea, ash cloud diverts flights

[link to theextinctionprotocol.wordpress.com]

January 22, 2013 – PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Eruptions of Papua New Guinea’s Mt Tavurvur have forced some flights in and out of New Britain to be cancelled. The ash and vapor blowing from the volcano affected flights to Tokua Airport. Air Niugini says the flight suspension came into effect on Monday and will continue for an indefinite period. Newspaper reports say low to loud roaring and rumbling noises were heard on Sunday night when the volcano erupted. Tavurvur is an active volcano that lies near Rabaul in Papua New Guinea. It is a sub-vent of the Rabaul caldera and lies on the eastern rim of the larger feature. The volcano is most well known for its devastating eruptions over Rabaul. Mt Tavurvur is the most well known volcano in Rabaul caldera, and has erupted as recently as January 2009. The last time the volcano erupted was in 2011. –Radio New Zealand Wikipedia

Tropical Cyclone Oswald 21st jan 2013
WEATHERORNUT·

Published on Jan 21, 2013
CYOB #5 Tropical Cyclone Oswald is a catagory 1 cyclone at this point in time...... From the www.bom.gov.au.LATEST UPDATE..TROPICAL CYCLONE ADVICE TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING
for DAMAGING WINDS, HEAVY RAINFALL and ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES
For people in the
Peninsula,
Northern Tropical Coast and Tablelands and parts of the
Gulf Country and
Herbert and Lower Burdekin Forecast Districts.
Issued at 11:06 am Tuesday, 22 January 2013.
Synoptic Situation:
At 10am, the centre of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald was located about 100 km north of Kowanyama and moving northeast at 10 km/hr. The monsoon trough lies from the ex-tropical cyclone to the east coast near Cairns. Vigorous monsoon flow is continuing to the north of the ex-tropical cyclone over northern Cape York Peninsula.
Damaging winds, with peak gusts of around 100 km/hr, are expected with monsoonal showers and thunderstorms to the north of the monsoon trough and near ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald. Locations which may be affected include Kowanyama, Aurukun, Weipa, Torres Strait Islands, Lockhart River, Coen and Cooktown.
Water levels along the west coast of Cape York Peninsula north of Kowanyama may exceed the highest tide of the year on the high tide early this afternoon.
Heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding, is likely north of the monsoon trough, and is also expected to develop along the east coast southwards to about Townsville. Six hour rainfall accumulations of 100 to 200 mm are possible. This heavy rain may also worsen the existing flood situation in the Tully area.
Locations which may be affected include Townsville, Cairns, Port Douglas, Cooktown, Ingham, Innisfail, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Weipa, Coen, Aurukun, Palmerville and Musgrave.
Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure loose outdoor items.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.