Yasi tracks north, Cap Coast safer

DESPITE damaging winds from tomorrow morning, Cyclone Yasi isn't expected to affect the region's coastal communities as much as first predicted.  

This is the latest advice from the Bureau of Meteorology about the impact of the cyclone on the Capricorn Coast.

Due to the size of this system the region will still see high winds of up to 100km from tomorrow morning, rainfall of up to 100mm in a 48 hour period, and higher than average tides.

However exact tidal heights for the Capricorn Coast won’t be known until further modelling is completed today.

The Local Disaster Coordination Centre will remain open today from 8am to 5pm as we remain at Alert Stage, and letter box dropping will commence today advising coastal communities of the possible storm tide surge and high winds.

Tropical Cyclone Yasi is expected to reach Category 4 by the time it makes land fall, which is expected in the Herbert/ Burdekin area at approximately midnight Wednesday.

Gale force winds are expected from early Wednesday morning along the northern Queensland coast and a potential storm tide surge of up to 4m in the vicinity of the cyclone.

Acting Mayor, Councillor Rose Swadling said the Bureau of Meteorology has advised they do not expect that the Capricorn Coast will experience any significant storm tide surge given our distance from the expected cyclone track.

“At this stage the impact to the region from Tropical Cyclone Yasi is considered to be a low risk, however we will still see some strong winds and rainfall from Wednesday morning onwards," she said.

"Residents need to ensure they prepare their homes and families today."

Tropical Cyclone Yasi is presently travelling at about 30 km/hr and is expected to maintain this speed when it makes land fall.

Due to the size of the system, impacted areas are likely to feel the brunt of the cyclone for a considerable period.

This will also lead to significant rainfall in the immediate vicinity of the system.