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Cairns Airport is preparing for Tropical Cyclone Jasper as it bears down on the coast of Far North Queensland.
The cyclone is expected to make landfall on Wednesday, with the BoM predicting it to hit between Cape Flattery and Cardwell. Damaging winds are expected in the Cairns region starting on Tuesday, potentially extending as far as Townsville or Cape Melville.
Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker says the airport is undertaking “normal cyclone preparations” in response to the BoM’s cyclone warning.
“We remain operational at this time. Regular and ongoing updates will be issued through the Cairns Airport Facebook page and on our website,” he said.
“We have enacted the Cairns Airport Cyclone Plan and are conducting regular Cyclone Committee meetings, which include representatives from key operational stakeholders, including airlines and Airservices Australia.
“Decisions around flight movements during weather events are handled by each airline. Passengers will be advised by their airline of any operational impact related to Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Customers may also wish to contact their airline directly with any specific flight enquiries.”
According to the BoM’s cyclone warning, Jasper is currently a category 1 storm, but will likely intensify as it approaches the coast on Tuesday.
“The system is now forecast to cross as a category 2 system on Wednesday, most likely between Cape Flattery and Cardwell,” the Bureau wrote.
“Jasper will weaken as it moves inland during Thursday towards the Gulf of Carpentaria. If the system is slower and crosses overnight Wednesday or Thursday, a slim chance remains of a severe category 3 crossing.”
