---UPDATED AT 6.30AM SUNDAY QLD TIME--- The intensity and movement of cyclones can change rapidly so make sure you check in with the Bureau Of Meteorology regularly for the latest warnings.
The QLD coast is on alert with the prospect of two tropical cyclones making landfall in just the space of a few days.
At 4am local time, TC Anthony was a weak category 1 system and situated approximately 600km ENE of Townsville in the Coral Sea. Anthony is forecast to continue its southwesterly track today and make intensify slightly into a category 2 system as it approaches the QLD coast. A Cyclone Warning continues for coastal and island communities from Lucinda to Proserpine. A Cyclone Watch continues for coastal and island communities from Innisfail to Lucinda and Proserpine to St Lawrence. Damaging wind gusts may develop for coastal and island communities between Lucinda and Prosperpine late Sunday, with Destructive winds gusts near the cyclone centre as it approaches the coast early on Monday morning. Heavy rainfall and local flooding are expected to develop near and to the south of the cyclone, as far south as Sarina, as it approaches the coast some time overnight Sunday.
There is also a low to the north of Fiji that is forecast to develop into a tropical cyclone and move into the region on Tuesday. This system may also impact the QLD coast. There are some indications that this system could be a lot stronger than Anthony, but considering the system hasn't formed into a cyclone yet, it is too early to be certain of this system's intensity or movements.
Why is this tropical cyclone season so active?
One of the strongest La Nina's on record continues to influence the climate of the Pacific Basin. Apart from contributing to above average rainfall across northern and eastern Australia (which has already been experienced in unprecedented amounts leading to record flooding), La Nina events are also characterised by a higher than normal number of tropical cyclones during the tropical season from November to April.
Another climate pattern that influences tropical cyclone activity in the Australian region is the Madden-Julian Oscillation. It is currently out of the Australian region but it may return in the middle of February and this could increase the tropical cyclone potential at this time.
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