Ipswich City Council is keeping a careful watch amid forecasts showing Tropical Cyclone Oma is likely to approach the southern Queensland coast this weekend.
Bureau of Meteorology Queensland State Manager Bruce Gunn said the effects of Cyclone Oma, which on Thursday was about 1,000km north-east of Brisbane, were already being felt along the coast.
“Surf and swell conditions will be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, and swimming and many beaches are already closed for public safety,” he said.
“Forecast certainty is shaping up to see the most likely scenario that Cyclone Oma will approach the coast this weekend, and a coastal crossing cannot be ruled out at this stage.”
If Oma does cross the southern Queensland coast it could mean periods of high rainfall for much of the south-east, including Ipswich.
On Thursday morning, the forecast showed an 80 per cent chance of showers with between 4mm and 15mm of rain on Saturday.
A very high, 90 per cent, chance of heavy showers and windy conditions is forecast for Sunday with falls up to 45mm. Similar conditions are currently forecast for Monday.
Council has already begun preparations in case an emergency management response is needed.
It has encouraged residents to “be alert, but not alarmed” over the coming days.
There are a number of simple steps residents can take to be better prepared in the event of heavy rainfall. They include:
- Sign up to Ipswich Alerts: It’s free and will allow you to receive warning alerts straight to your mobile phone. Sign up here.
- Familiarise yourself with council’s Emergency Management Dashboard: It’s a one-stop spot important information such as road conditions, warnings, power outage and more. It is available here.
- Do a quick tidy up around home: It always pays to be prepared. Check gutters and outlets are clear of debris so water can flow freely, tidy up toys or other loose items in the yard.
Ipswich City Council will release more information, if required, in the coming days.
