Tropical Cyclone Jasper Hits Australia's Northeast Coast

Category 2 storm causes power outages and flooding, with potential to re-intensify as it moves inland

Tropical Cyclone Jasper, the first of the season, hit Australia's northeast coast as a category 2 storm, causing power outages for over 40,000 premises and leading to flash flooding in areas around Mossman and the Daintree.
The cyclone, which had winds of up to 87 mph, crossed near the Aboriginal community of Wujal Wujal, north of Cairns, causing significant damage to trees but no reported structural damage to major infrastructure.
Despite the severity of the storm, there have been no reports of injury or loss of life. However, authorities are urging residents to stay indoors to allow for debris to be cleared from roads.
The cyclone is expected to weaken as it moves inland but there is a risk it could re-intensify into a tropical cyclone as it hits the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Residents are being advised to prepare for up to five days without power and to conserve drinking water as authorities work to remove debris from a treatment plant.