The ports of Abbot Point, Mackay and Hay Point in Queensland, Australia, have been locked down in preparation for Tropical Cyclone Debbie, according to a statement by North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) today.
“Our cyclone readiness plans have been put into action over recent days, in partnership with our tenants and customers,” a spokesman said.
“NQBP is also working hand in hand with emergency services, the Queensland government and Maritime Safety Queensland. Across our ports, critical assets and infrastructure such as tugs, wharfs and stockpile equipment have been tied down and secured,” said NQBP chief executive officer, Steve Lewis.
The ports were closed under direction from the region harbour master and further updates are not expected until after the cyclone has made landfall.
According to the Australian Government’s Bureau of Meteorology, Tropical Cyclone Debbie intensified to Category 3 strength today (Monday) and is forecast to further intensify to Category 4 strength as it crosses the Queensland coast tomorrow (Tuesday) between Ayr and Mackay.
The Bureau has warned that the coast will see abnormally high tides, large waves, storm surges and rough to phenomenal seas.
The ports would only open when it was safe to do so, added an NQBP spokesperson.
