As Tropical Cyclone Jasper moves in on the coast of Queensland today, gales with damaging winds of up to 120 km/h are expected to develop along the ranges between Cape Flattery and Townsville, including Cairns. Jasper is expected to cross the coast on Wednesday and Ports and Airports in the Far North are making contingency plans.
Advice from Qantas Freight – Impacts of Cyclone Jasper on freight movements.
A notice received from Qantas Freight today says that due to Cyclone Jasper, flights to and from Cairns (CNS) and other ports in the region are expected to be significantly disrupted on 13 Dec 2023. Existing freight bookings will need to be reaccommodated if the flight your freight has been booked on is impacted. Qantas recommends rebooking your freight for a later date as freight capacity is expected to be severely limited on 12 Dec, 13 Dec and 14 Dec 2023.
Cairns Airport “remains operational” this morning but airlines have already began cancelling flights from Tuesday afternoon. “In line with our Cairns Airport Cyclone Plan, we continue to review operational contingencies,” a statement from the airport said.
Qantas has already confirmed to news.com.au it had cancelled flights into and out of Cairns on Wednesday due to the cyclone. Rex Airlines has cancelled at least seven flights between Tuesday evening and Thursday afternoon, according to an update on its website. Jetstar is likewise said to be cancelling flights.
Port of Townsville on ‘Condition Yellow’
The Port of Townsville has moved to Condition YELLOW in preparation for Cyclone Jasper.
The Port remains operational and there has been no disruption to shipping activities at this stage, however channel widening has been suspended due to unfavourable sea conditions.
High winds may impact shipping movements over the next 24 hours. The Port is continuing to monitor updates from the Bureau of Meteorology. Vessels are being advised by the Regional Harbour Master.
Current cyclone preparations being conducted at the Port of Townsville include:
- Minimising cargo heights on berths and laydown areas
- Removing equipment from tidal surge or flood prone areas
- Implementing tie-down plans for cranes and shiploaders, securing buildings and clearing debris; and
- Continued monitoring and consultation with Port users.
Port of Townsville General Manager Customer, Operations and Safety, Drew Penny said the Port was well prepared for wild weather should it eventuate over the coming days. “The Port of Townsville begins its cyclone preparedness on 1 November each year and has a well-defined plan for moving through the various stages of cyclone preparedness,” said Mr Penny.
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