Monday, September 25, 2017

Cyclone Debbie 2017

A powerful cyclone has pummelled the north-east Australian coast, causing major damage, torrential rain and power cuts to tens of thousands of homes.



In March, Cyclone Debbie made landfall between Bowen and Airlie Beach in Queensland as a category four storm, whipping gusts of up to 263km/h (163mph).

It is moving inland as a category two storm but could cause damage for hours yet.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he was aware of one death so far.
Activating a disaster response plan, he stressed the picture could develop when emergency crews were able to assess the damage.
"Conditions have deteriorated rapidly," he told parliament. "Take care and stay safe. Be prepared to shelter in place until Wednesday."


Map

Why is it so powerful?


It made landfall at close to its peak intensity, Dr Jeffrey D Kepert, head of the Bureau of Meteorology's High Impact Weather Research told the BBC. Crucially, it is also very slow-moving. That "can be more damaging because the duration of strong winds is longer. As structures experience a longer battering, things like metal fatigue set in, leading to more damage. Also, more of the rain falls in the same area rather than being spread out, leading to a greater flood risk".

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