Special SW transmissions to N Queensland due to Cyclone Yasi (Updated)

Updated 1545 UTC:

Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Yasi has hit the northern Queensland coast between Cairns and Townsville. Much damage to houses, property and infrastructure is anticipated within this area. Flooding and very high winds will also be a major problem for those people who haven’t managed to leave the area. Because of this the local ABC and commercial broadcasters expect severe damage to landbased TV and radio transmitters within the region. The ABC has requested Radio Australia to transmit the ABC’s northern Queensland regional radio service using a shortwave transmitter at Shepparton, Victoria to northern Queensland until further notice.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting that Tropical Cyclone Yasi will produce a very large rain depression which could see around 350mm fall into northern and central Australia.

Schedule
2100-0830 UTC on 9710 kHz 353deg
0830-2100 UTC on 6080 kHz 005deg

The transmitter being used is a brand new 100KW Continental which is DRM capable.

Internet links
Latest news: http://www.abc.net.au/news/
Latest meteorological information: http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDQ65002.shtml
View satellite display of Tropical Cyclone Yasi in almost real time:
http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDE00902.loop.shtml

(Source: Nigel Holmes/Radio Australia via Mike Bird via Media Network Weblog)