Canberra, A cyclone that was predicted to
wreak havoc across Queensland in Australia has been downgraded to
a tropical low, after unleashing 17cm (6.6in) of rain in two hours across
the north of the state.
Authorities warn that Cyclone Owen could still reform offshore
tomorrow (Monday).
Severe weather and flood warnings are in place.
Owen hit land as a category 3 cyclone yesterday (Saturday),
70km (43 miles) from Kowanyama.
The cyclone’s 120km/h (74mph) winds weakened as it moved
south-east.
Queensland’s Emergency Service received 400 calls for help
over Friday night.
Rescue services are warning that heavy rainfall and flash floods
could still follow between now and Tuesday.
The weather system is expected to reach the North Queensland
towns of Ingham and Innisfail.
Meteorologists predict it will move back out over water before
tracking down the state’s east coast.
Australia frequently experiences extreme weather, with flash
floods, sandstorms and droughts in some areas, the BBC news
reported.
Source: Oman News Agency