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A remote Australian territory is expected to feel the impact of a strengthening tropical low over the Indian Ocean from today.
The Bureau of Meteorology says the weather system Tropical Low 25U is expected to strengthen into a tropical cyclone over coming hours as it tracks to the south of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, about 2750km north-west of Perth.
Senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury says the tropical cyclone is not expected to impact the Australian mainland because it will be too far offshore.
“But it will bring strong winds and squally showers to the Cocos Islands.”
It is expected to move gradually further south and away from the islands during the remainder of the week and weaken late tomorrow.
A second tropical low – 27U – is currently developing off the north-west Kimberley Coast in Western Australia.
The bureau says it has only a low chance of becoming a tropical cyclone from Friday into the weekend and should remain offshore.
But it will bring more rain across Pilbara through weekend.
Meanwhile, residents in a rain-soaked part of Far North Queensland are being warned to expect more heavy falls today.
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Communities, including the regional city of Townsville and the towns of Ingham and Ayr, can expect heavy rain through the morning, with the risk of flash flooding, the bureau warns.
Six-hourly rainfall totals of 120mm to 160 mm are likely, with isolated totals to 240mm are possible.
Conditions should ease from midday.