A cyclone watch has been issued for communities between Ayr and St Lawrence in northern Queensland, Australia, as a tropical low intensifies. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, potential damaging wind gusts up to 120 km/h are expected from Wednesday in northern Queensland. The bureau also warns that heavy rainfall in the region may lead to flash flooding.
A storm tide with large waves is expected in northern Queensland as the system approaches. The weather system in northern Queensland is expected to become an inland rain depression by Friday. Tropical Cyclone Kirrily is expected to develop in the Coral Sea and approach the Queensland coast as a severe category-three cyclone on Thursday, though the specific timeline and severity of its impact remain uncertain.
Meanwhile, heatwave conditions are affecting parts of Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. Queensland's power system is expected to hit a record peak demand due to the heatwave, raising questions about the long-term implications for Australia's power grid and infrastructure. In a separate weather event, a tropical low in the Northern Territory is causing heavy rainfall and flooding, with potential evacuations in Kalkarindji.
That tropical low is moving to Western Australia where severe weather warnings are in place. Across the Pacific in Hawaii, officials warn that the Wahiawa dam on Oahu is at risk of imminent failure after water flowed over the top. State officials highlight risks from an undersized spillway at the Wahiawa dam.
In contrast, Dole Food Company, which owns the dam, states it continues to operate as designed with no indications of damage. This contradiction leaves it unknown whether the Wahiawa dam will actually fail. Evacuation orders have been issued for Waialua and Haleiwa in Hawaii due to the dam risk.
Reports on the number evacuated vary, with some sources indicating 4,000 people have been evacuated and others stating 5,500 people have been evacuated, making the exact figure unclear. Major media reports that thousands of people have been evacuated in Hawaii due to the Wahiawa dam risk. The Wahiawa dam was built in 1906 and is owned by Dole Food Company.
It was in 'poor' condition according to a 2020 inspection, and state records note deficiencies in the Wahiawa dam for over a decade. Flooding in Hawaii has caused catastrophic damage, with homes swept away, roads washed out, and numerous rescues, though the full extent of damage and casualties beyond these reports is not detailed. Heavy rainfall from 'Kona low' storm systems has exacerbated flooding in Hawaii.
In Bali, intense rains triggered flooding in several districts and Denpasar. About 350 people, including foreign tourists, have been evacuated in Bali due to flooding. Flooding in Bali has led to flight disruptions, but no fatalities have been reported from the flooding in Bali.
The events follow a timeline of severe weather, with heavy rains causing dangerous flooding along Oahu's North Shore on March 20, prompting earlier evacuation orders. On March 9, emergency warnings were issued for Central Queensland communities as rapidly rising floodwaters triggered widespread flash flooding and rescue operations. A tropical low system brought severe weather to far north Queensland on March 6, causing flash flooding and damaging winds.
The simultaneous crises underscore the broad reach of extreme weather patterns affecting populated and tourist regions, with ongoing monitoring needed for cyclone developments in Australia and dam stability in Hawaii. Authorities are coordinating response efforts, including emergency shelters and public alerts, to mitigate risks as conditions evolve.