Probably a bit early for the Cape York season .... but

"Cyclone Ita is expected to pose a significant threat to Cape York communities, with gales to hit the coast as far south as the holiday centre of Port Douglas.

Gales are expected to start building in 24 to 48 hours and it is expected to cross the coast as a severe category 4, bringing destructive winds to 280km/hr and flood rain.

Ita is about 900km east of Lockhart River and about 800km east northeast of Cooktown and moving towards the coast at 10km an hour.

It is expected to hit between Lockhart River and Cape Flattery, about 60km north of Cooktown, Friday evening, with gales to its south and north.

Tides will be significantly higher than normal with inundation of low lying areas by a storm surge possible close to its landfall."

Scott,
some may also wish to check out the US navy track sight. They have it coming into the coast, and then heading south skimming the coastline as far down as Mackay.

US navy tracking site

Interesting that BOM has it tracking towards Cape Melville and the US Navy have it tracking further south nearly coming in to Cooktown.

Yesterday BOM had it tracking towards Lockhart River so it appears to be heading south.

It could get nasty down the coast if it tracks south hugging the coast.

Love this quote from the 10 am update....

"We told ‘em about the cyclone but they didn’t want to listen,’’ he said.
“They reckoned they’d go out there and sit and watch it.
“I suppose it’ll cost the Government some money to go and rescue them.

“When people come up the cape, they leave their brains in a bin where the bitumen ends."

I hope all clear by the end of May as I am heading up the Cape early June.
Boy this is going to be an adventure.

We are heading up the cape on the 11th may......may need to include a boat when packing. In all seriousness I think there is a good chance we won't make it to the tip, very disappointing, have been planning this trip for over a year. Mother Nature has her own agenda....just hope everyone comes out the other side safely.

Possibly those that are thinking of going up in May, could still go and if the worst happens, help the people rebuild some of the damage. That would be greatly appreciated by the people of Cooktown and Hopevale. Any trades would be handy, and I'm sure Eddie Deeral would appreciate the help.
Cheers.
TonyF8