Cyclone Yasi: Some interesting resources

So, as I guessed, Cyclone Anthony passed us with little more than a few gusty breezes and a sprinkling of rain. Sounds like Bowen and Propserpine got pretty drenched though and a bit windy.

Now there's a big sucker out in the Pacific Ocean brewing. Cyclone Yasi is currently north of Vanuatu (not 1000km north like I heard someone say last night) and is forecast to cross the Queensland coast on Thursday.

Currently, as it's so far out, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology doesn't have any available maps for Cyclone Yasi. However, the Vanuatu Meteorological Services uses the same sort of track maps that the BOM does and they can be seen here: http://www.meteo.gov.vu/TropicalCyclones/TCTrackMap/tabid/173/Default.aspx

Alternatively, a lot of people refer to the US Navy's Joint Typhoon Warning Centre, which someone pointed me to one or two cyclone seasons ago. Often its track maps are more accurate than the BOM's (probably because the BOM doesn't want to be too specific and risk giving incorrect advice).

As those maps show, current projected paths have it crossing between Cairns and Townsville - however, being so far out, these projected paths are very subject to change (very). This time though, many models used by various countries around the world pretty much agree on its general path.It's also being suggested it will reach a Category 4, however the big talking point is the sheer size of the cyclone.

(For a loop of this map, look here: http://www.goes.noaa.gov/sohemi/sohemiloops/shirgmscol.html)

If it stays around that size, no matter where it crosses the coast, much of Queensland will feel some effect of it, even if it's just rain on its outer edges. It could turn around and go the other way, disappear way up north and just cross up near the cape - it will be an interesting one to watch either way.