Cyclone George strengthens
Pastor Dale Morgan
*Cyclone George strengthens *
March 08, 2007 02:34am
Article from: AAP
AUSTRALIA - TROPICAL cyclone George has strengthened to a category three
storm and moved closer to the West Australian coast but it is unlikely
to threaten communities for a few days.
The Bureau of Meteorology says George intensified from a force two storm
yesterday and further development was expected as it approached the
Pilbara coastline.
“Gales with wind gusts to 120 km/h may develop in central Pilbara
coastal areas between Pardoo and Mardie later tomorrow extending to
areas further west towards Exmouth during Friday and possibly Coral Bay
later in the day,” the bureau said.
“On Friday, destructive winds with gusts to 150 km/h may develop on the
Pilbara coast as the system nears the coast.”
The bureau was also monitoring a second cyclone, Jacob, which had
developed to the southeast of Christmas Island.
This category two storm has been behaving erratically, the bureau said.
“The future track is highly uncertain. Should the system recommence a
more northwest track then gales with gusts to 110km/h may develop over
the island on later tomorrow.
“Thunderstorms with heavy rain are likely to develop which may result in
localised flooding.
“A heavy northwest swell is likely to affect the island irrespective of
the motion of the cyclone.”
Cyclone George was the first tropical cyclone of the WA season, which
runs between November and April, with most activity occurring in the
latter half.