Strong winds and rain drive swell in the park. Picture: Australian Press/AFP/Paul Crook
A Category 4 cyclone is approaching the Australian coast in the northeast. The hurricane, named Jasper, is expected to weaken to Category 2 in the coming days, The Guardian reported. However, there is a possibility that the hurricane will strengthen again before it reaches the coast.
It is also uncertain where and when exactly Jasper will make landfall. Jasper may pass over Cairns during the week, but residents may also have to prepare for the cyclone on Monday. Australian Minister Mark Ryan advised Queensland residents to be alert to unpredictable cyclone warnings.
In addition to strong winds, Jasper also brings a lot of rain. “Jasper is a relatively large system, attracting a lot of clouds that bring showers and thunderstorms,” said Laura Buckel from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. “Large areas may be hit by severe storms and rain, with the potential for flash flooding and river overflow.”
It is not unusual for a hurricane to hit this area this early in December. The cyclone season in Australia usually extends from November to April, but it does not peak in Queensland until February and March.
Read also: This is the difference between a hurricane and a tornado.
