Fed: Monica strengthens to catergory 4

AAP General News (Australia)
04-22-2006
Fed: Monica strengthens to catergory 4

Severe tropical cyclone Monica has strengthened overnight to a category four system
and is moving towards the Northern Territory.

More than 100 people have already been evacuated from low-lying Northern Territory
properties in the path of the rapidly intensifying cyclone.

The Weather Bureau says a cyclone watch continues for coastal and island communities
between Port Roper .. and Groote Eylandt .. and also between Elcho Island and Goulburn
Island.

At 10pm (CST) Monica was about 330 kilometres east southeast of Nhulunbuy .. and 370
kilometres east northeast of Alyangula .. moving west northwest at four kilometres per
hour.

The bureau says the cyclone is intensifying and is expected to continue moving slowly
west northwest across the Gulf of Carpentaria today.

Wind gusts up to 260 kph may approach the northeast Arnhem Land coast on Saturday night
or Sunday morning.

Dangerously high tides could also cause extensive flooding at the coast between Groote
Eylandt and Elcho Island tonight and tomorrow.

AAP RTV ved/wz

KEYWORD: MONICA (SYDNEY)

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