Emergency warning for TC Jasper: Take shelter now

Cairns region

Tropical cyclone as at 1.45pm, Wednesday 13 December 2023

This warning is from Cairns Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG).

The Bureau of Meteorology expects Tropical Cyclone Jasper to cross the coast at Wujal Wujal, north of Cairns. Strong winds are expected.

People in Cairns should TAKE SHELTER NOW.

Go to the strongest, safest part of the building you are in. This will be away from big windows. It could be a bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, or hallway. Stay there.

Emergency services cannot get to you because it is too dangerous.

Impacts

The wind will be very loud.You will hear things breaking outside and hitting your house.Winds could stop suddenly if the eye of the cyclone goes over. Very dangerous winds could start again quickly from a different direction.Very strong winds can knock down trees and powerlines, blow roofs off houses, and blow away anything not tied down outside. This is a risk to life.Power, phone, and internet will stop working. They could be out for a long time.Flooding is likely. If floodwater comes inside, move to a higher place inside. This could be a benchtop or upstairs. Do not go outside.

What you should do

Cover any windows in your safe room with a mattress or heavy blankets. This will protect you if the window breaks.Stay away from the windows. If the roof comes off, shelter under your mattress and blankets.Stay in your safe placeuntil you are told it is safe. This could take several hours.Keep pets in a safe place inside.Keep all doors and windows closed.Do not use generators inside. Fumes can be deadly.Limit use of devices to save batteries, and how much water you drink to make supplies last longer.Listen to local radio on your battery-powered radio for updates.If floodwater comes inside the place you are sheltering, move to a higher place inside. Do not go outside.

More information

The next update will be sent when conditions change.