Qld: North Qld residents warned cyclone could re-form

AAP General News (Australia)
02-02-2009
Qld: North Qld residents warned cyclone could re-form

North Queensland residents are being warned a low pressure system that caused minimal
damage when it crossed the coast overnight .. could re-form as a cyclone.

Ellie's been downgraded to a tropical low after crossing the Queensland coast near
Cairns .. but heavy rain in the already drenched region is causing flooding.

The town of Ingham is cut off by road and the weather bureau has flood warnings in
place .. chiefly for the Herbert River and other coastal rivers between Townsville and
Bowen.

Four people in two vehicles had to be rescued by fire officers early this morning ..

after taking their chances and driving into water at Helens Hill at Ingham.





Premier ANNA BLIGH says she's relieved what looked like a pretty dangerous potential
cyclone has crossed the coast with very limited damage and no loss of life.

Emergency Services Minister NEIL ROBERTS says authorities are poised to evacuate residents
from some communities in the Gulf of Carpentaria if necessary.

AAP RTV gd/pjo/jmt

KEYWORD: ELLIE (TOWNSVILLE)

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