They don't get much bigger than category 5, and Ingrid is one mean mother of a category 5 tropical cyclone. We're talking 290kmh winds within 35 nm of the centre and very destructive winds from about 90kms from the centre.
There is an awesome picture of the system from a NASA Satellite here modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/gallery/individual.php?db_date=2005-03-08 Click on the higher res images and you can literally see into the eye of the thing. Amazing resolution.
At the moment it's tracking to hit Cape Melville - north of Cooktown which is about 200 kays north of Cairns.
5-6 m waves (remember there is no surf in NQ) and (this is the first time I have seen BOM use this term - PHENOMENAL seas expected). One of the highest tides of the year is also due tomorrow AM, so this could be very interesting to watch.
Of course Cyclones can be as unpredictable as a slingshot rider in front of a crowd, and this could all be bull**** by tomorrow, but at the moment it looks like most of the FNQ riders will be able to stay upwind on a matchstiick while flying a hanky in the next few days. Something to write home about (that's if there's a home left!)
