Cyclone Ita Crosses

 cyclone Ita rapidly developed off the north Queensland coast in markedly divergent 

upper flow east of an upper low on 23 February. The system moved in a southerly then 

southwesterly direction towards the coast. However, northerly upper flow between an upper 

low over Queensland and an anticyclone in the Coral Sea increased. Development was 

inhibited and the lowest central pressure of 994 hPa occurred just prior to crossing the coast 
southeast of Townsville on 24 February, where it dissipated quickly. Little wind damage was 

reported, however, moderate flooding was reported in coastal rivers and creeks. A tornado 

occurred at Yukan about 13 km south of Sarina on 24 February.

Owing to the rapid degradation of the cyclone before landfall, structural damage was 

relatively low at A$8.4 million (US$7.9 million). However, the agricultural industry suffered 

extensive impacts and total losses reached A$1.1 billion (US$1 billion).

5.45pm: Telstra has reconnected a satellite mobile cell in Hope Vale to return mobile coverage to residents in the area.

4.30pm: Category Cyclone Ita is expected to continues its track southeast on Sunday evening before it moves offshore later Monday.

Winds of up to 90km/h are expected between Ayr and Mackay tonight. Communities as far south as St Lawrence and Yeppoon may experience gales early Monday.

Heavy rainfall causing flash flooding continues between Bowen and Laguna Quays. Rainfall totals of between 100-200mm are likely, with isolated falls of up to 400mm possible.

The weather bureau has warned those living between Ayr and Yeppoon, including Mackay, to continue monitoring warnings.

2.45pm: Severe thunderstorms are producing heavy rain and flash flooding at Bowen, Proserpine and Hamilton Island.

Bowen recorded 93mm in one hour to 2pm.

1.10pm: SWIFT water rescue teams rescued two people who had driven their car into floodwaters in Townsville this morning.

Emergency crews were called to Abbott St in Oonoonba about 7.15am after the pair was stranded in waist-deep water.

12.15pm: In the Whitsundays all ports and harbours will close from 3pm and some flights have been cancelled.

Whitsunday Tourism chief executive Daniel Rochford said all island resorts and the mainland tourist centre of Airlie Beach were prepared for the looming blow.

``I just went for a walk down the main street (Airlie Beach) and was surprised how many tourists there were around,’’ Mr Rochford said. ``A lot of the locals who live within about a 400km radius have gone home but international tourists have stayed and are hunkered down.’’

Mr Rochford said there were no major concerns about the low level storm, mainly due to tough building regulations introduced since the mid 1980s.

``And people are very experienced in handling this sort of thing up here. In a lot of cases, the island resorts are the safest places to be,’’ he said.

``Having said that, there will be an impact on visitor numbers, with some flights already abandoned and the Bruce Highway cut to the north. But we’ll be back open for business pretty much straight away.’’