APCEDI ALERT ETW #2 (Updated), 2005: Weather Alert for East Timor

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

Cyclone Raymond (O7S has) has picked up strength this afternoon, after weakening slightly overnight, and is now a Category 1 Cyclone. It is moving eastward toward the Kimberley Coast of Western Australia. This places the storm directly south of Roti and West Timor. Cyclone Raymond is projected to move east-southeast today. Thus it should stay well south of East Timor and the Indonesian Islands of West Timor, Roti, Sawu and Sumba. However, the steering currents are weak, and all authorities in East Timor and the Indonesian Islands of West Timor, Roti, Sawu and Sumba should keep a watchful eye on this storm in the next 24-48 hours. Convection to the east over the Northern Territory and the Arafura Sea has decreased overnight as well.

However, moderate to rough seas can still be expected throughout much of this area especially along the path of the cyclone.

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

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