Tropical Rainstorm Penny may threaten Queensland, Australia, again this week

By Kristina Pydynowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

By Adam Douty, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

January 05, 2019, 10:49:21 AM EST

Tropical Rainstorm Penny is expected to remain well off the coast of Australia through early this week, but residents of Queensland should not let their guard down for potential impacts.

Penny is anticipated to churn slowly westward over the northern Coral Sea through the beginning of the week, gradually nearing eastern Queensland.

During that time, high seas will be stirred across the Coral Sea. Swimmers along the eastern coast of Queensland should remain vigilant of rough seas and a risk of rip currents. Never swim without a lifeguard present, and be sure to follow all advisories issued.

While weakening below tropical cyclone intensity, Penny may not dissipate fully and could once again take aim at Queensland this week.

Penny is expected to strike the eastern coast of Queensland as a tropical rainstorm or a Category 1 tropical cyclone around the middle of the week.

While Penny is not expected to push into Queensland until midweek, rounds of rain can begin to impact areas around Mackay and Townsville early in the week. Heavy rain will spread northward towards Cairns closer to midweek.

Regardless of timing and strength, Penny can bring a renewed risk of heavy rain and flooding to the part of Queensland it targets.

Download the free AccuWeather app to remain aware of the latest track of Penny and any flooding concerns for your community.

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Penny formed in the Gulf of Carpentaria on Monday before bringing heavy rainfall to the Cape York Peninsula on Tuesday and Tuesday night.

Despite weakening from a Category 1 tropical cyclone to a tropical rainstorm as it crossed the Cape York Peninsula on Tuesday, Penny brought another round of heavy rainfall to the region following Tropical Cyclone Owen in December.

Penny caused heavy rainfall and some wind damage across the northern Cape York Peninsula, including areas around Weipa.

Mining operations were halted, and flights to and from the area were canceled due to the storm.