Low-pressure system off Queensland could threaten new cyclone

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There are fears Queensland could be hit with a third tropical cyclone for the summer, with a new low-pressure system forming off K’gari yesterday.

If this develops further, it could form into a cyclone in the Coral Sea before making landfall on the Queensland coast.

The Bureau of Meteorology said the system was tracking north-east, away from Australia.

There is a chance it could develop into a tropical cyclone before heading back west toward Queensland by late next week.

However, Weatherzone said due to the system’s origin as a subtropical low, it would be difficult for it to make the upgrade to a tropical cyclone.

“At this stage, there is enough uncertainty to take the forecast of a tropical cyclone with a large grain of salt,” the weather reporting service said.

Queensland has already been hit by two cyclones this year.

“It’s best to be aware but not alarmed about this system.”

The BoM also rated its chances of developing into a cyclone at between 10 to 15 per cent.

It would be the third cyclone to hit Queensland in three months if it did make landfall.

Tropical Cylone Jasper brought record-breaking rain and heavy flooding to Far North Queensland in December, while Severe Tropical Cyclone Kirrily continues to affect residents in north-western Queensland.

The BoM warned that people could still expect heavy rains and near-gale force winds as Kirrily moved overland, along the Gulf of Carpentaria.

But it’s not expected to reform into a cyclone.