Cyclone future puzzles experts

BUREAU of Meteorology experts are closely watching the progress of Cyclone Ului, but are still unable to predict its future.

Duty forecaster Terry Erbs said yesterday the cyclone, located in the north-east Coral Sea about 1300km north-east of Mackay, was only moving about 5km/h.

Mr Erbs said the cyclone could maintain its speed and course until later this week, but its track was uncertain.

He said it would probably turn south-west later in the week, which would bring it closer to the Queensland coast.

“It’s very uncertain at the moment,” he said.

Mr Erbs said there were several scenarios for the future of the category-four cyclone, and it could come close to the coast in the Rockhampton area on Saturday.

“It will probably not be until later in the week that we’ll be able to have some idea of its impact on the coast,” he said.

Mr Erbs said the bureau was looking at dangerous beach conditions developing along the Queensland coast in the next few days.

The state government announced yesterday nets and shark hook lines would be removed from Gold and Sunshine coast beaches.