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Cyclone Ului 'unlikely' to reach Qld coast

Chris Logan, Monday March 15, 2010 - 18:11 EDT

The BOM expects some gales will develop off the Queensland coast, but the cyclone is unlikely to reach land. - ABC

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) says a cyclone in the Coral Sea is unlikely to reach the Queensland coast.

Tropical Cyclone Ului is almost 1,400 kilometres north-east of Mackay in north Queensland, and is moving very slowly west-south-west.

Winds from the category four cyclone are gusting up to 105 knots.

BOM forecaster Gavin Holcombe says the system will strengthen in force before Tuesday morning.

"I think it'll get into the low category five, and then again late tomorrow morning drop back to a high category four," he said.

The BOM expects some gales will develop off the Queensland coast, but says it is unlikely the cyclone will ever reach land.

Shark nets and drum lines are being temporarily removed from beaches on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, and Rainbow Beach, ahead of the predicted bad weather later this week.

Fisheries Queensland spokesman Tony Ham says loose equipment in the water can be dangerous.

"We're just a bit reluctant to leave them in with the sea state predicted to rise up to seven metres on Friday and Saturday," he said.

"We're just a bit concerned the gear will come loose and then come inshore and be an issue for people who might be swimming or surfing."

- ABC

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