FED: Nth Qld braces for Cyclone Ellie

AAP General News (Australia)
02-01-2009
FED: Nth Qld braces for Cyclone Ellie

TOWNSVILLE, Feb 1 AAP - North Queensland is battening down for a tropical cyclone expected
to cross the coast on Monday.

Premier Anna Bligh on Sunday said there had been extensive rain in communities between
Ayr and Cairns, which could lead to flash flooding.

The category one cyclone, called Ellie, is expected to cross the coast about 6am (AEST)
at Cardwell, Ms Bligh said.

"I encourage everybody living in the region to take the necessary cyclone precautions,
and particularly that your radio has batteries, and that you are listening to the regular
updates that will give you plenty of warning about the effect and likely course of the
cyclonic activity," she told reporters in Townsville.

Ms Bligh recognised the state budget could also take a hit should cyclone damage eventuate.

"We do have contingencies for these sorts of activities, we would be assisted by the
commonwealth government, but I certainly hope that tropical cyclone Ellie is a fizzer
and that she blows herself out before she gets across the coast tomorrow (Monday) morning."

Queensland cabinet is due to meet in Townsville on Monday morning but it could be cancelled
if the weather worsens.

AAP gd/de

KEYWORD: ELLIE

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