BoM downgrades Cyclone Neville

A tropical low hovering off far north Queensland has been downgraded from a cyclone
but is expected to reintensify and lash the coastline over the weekend, forecasters
say.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) demoted Cyclone Neville shortly after 11am (AEST) on
Thursday but warns it is likely to energise again in the next 48 hours.
A cyclone watch has been declared between Coen, in Cape York, and Port Douglas with
residents told to remain alert.
Gales are not expected along the coast within the next 24 hours, but may develop
between Coen and Port Douglas by Friday night.
Ex-cyclone Neville was estimated to be about 190 kilometres east-northeast of
Cooktown and slowly making its way west towards the coastline at 5pm (AEST) on
Thursday.
BoM cyclone warning forecaster Tony Auden said ex-cyclone Neville would move like a
"spinning top" and would constantly change direction as it slowly worked its way
towards Cooktown.
"We are expecting it to slowly reintensify as a weak category one at 4pm on Friday
and will stay that way until 4pm Saturday," he said.
People between Coen and Port Douglas are being advised to consider what action they
will need to take if the cyclone threat increases.
"Even if it doesn't redevelop into a cyclone, Cooktown residents can expect heavy
rain and strong winds," Mr Auden said.