Tropical Cyclone Watch Issued for Cooktown to Lucinda as Tropical Low 29U Intensifies

Alert Details

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre has issued a Tropical Cyclone Watch for Tropical Low 29U. As of 10:50 am AEST on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the system is developing in the Coral Sea, north of Willis Island, with a moderate chance of developing into a tropical cyclone before making landfall.

Affected Areas

The Watch Zone encompasses the region from Cooktown to Lucinda. Specific areas and communities included in the watch are:

• Port Douglas
• Cairns
• Innisfail
• Palm Island
• Cardwell
• Adjacent inland areas including Atherton and Mareeba

What You Should Do

Residents within the watch zone should monitor weather conditions closely as the system approaches. Preparation for gale-force winds and heavy rainfall is advised. Mariners should consult coastal waters and high seas warnings, as this alert is primarily designed for land-based communities. Residents should be aware of the potential for flash flooding in low-lying areas.

Expected Conditions

Tropical Low 29U currently has sustained winds near the centre of 65 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 95 kilometres per hour.

• Wind: Gales with gusts up to 100 km/h are forecast to develop over exposed coastal areas between Port Douglas and Cardwell, including Cairns, starting Thursday evening. These winds may extend north to Cooktown or south to Palm Island depending on the system’s exact track.
• Rainfall: Heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding is expected to develop about coastal and adjacent inland areas north of Ingham on Thursday. This heavy rain may extend south to Palm Island and further inland on Friday.
• Tides: Tides are likely to be higher than normal between Port Douglas and Ingham.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 10:50 am AEST on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The system is currently moving west-northwest at 10 kilometres per hour but is expected to turn southwest toward the coast later today. Landfall on the North Tropical Coast is forecast for Friday. The current watch remains in effect with gales expected to impact the coast within 24 to 48 hours.