Dark clouds over Queensland, Australia. Photo: ANP/EPA/DANNY CASEY from Australia and New Zealand
In northeastern Australia, residents should prepare for the approaching Tropical Cyclone Jasper. The system is expected to make landfall within the next 24 hours.
Jasper is currently located about 250 kilometers north of Queensland. According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, the cyclone will bring winds of up to 140 kilometers per hour. Heavy rains are also expected over an area extending over about 600 km. In some places, up to 500 mm of rain can fall in 24 hours.
“Now is the time for Queenslanders in our state’s north to prepare to make sure everything is in place when the storm hits,” Queensland Premier Steven Miles said.
One of the places that may be affected by the storm is the tourist attraction Cairns. The city, with a population of about 150,000, closed the airport on Tuesday. Supermarkets have already been emptied as a precaution, and residents have been urged to be aware of possible flooding.
