APCEDI ALERT ETW #1, 2005: Weather Alert for East Timor

This is a general weather alert for East Timor and surrounding islands.

The centre of a newly formed tropical storm lies near latitude 14.3 South longitude 121.6 East off the coast of Western Australia. Another tropical low lies over the Northern Territory near near latitude 15.6S, longitude 131.3E. A trough lies across these two systems. A large area of heavy precipitation lies to the southeast of Tanimbar Island, Indonesia. Rough seas are forecast for the Banda, Timor and Arafura Seas. At this time, most of the heavy weather is over the Arafura Sea. However, the proximity of the systems to East Timor warrants special attention. The potential exists in the next 48 hours for heavy rains which could cause flash flooding in areas of high relief. Areas of damaging gales are also possible.

At present this area of heavy weather should stay to the south of East Timor, but authorities should keep any eye on these systems and associated trough. Indonesian Authorities on Tanimbar and Aru Island and West Timor should likewise keep alert for any changes with these systems.

A good source for monitoring these systems is the Northern Area High Seas Forecast Northern Area High Seas Forecast of the Australian Government's Bureau of Meteorology.

Kevin Vang
APCEDI Coordinator
http://www.afap.org/