When Is A Cyclone Not A Cyclone?

When the wind doesn't quite blow hard enough appears to be the answer.

Our weather forecasters are telling us that currently there is a Tropical Low Pressure cell around 1000k's out into the Coral Sea off the 'Capricornia Coast'.  This cell 'may' develop into a cyclone (but not a very strong one) and cross the Queensland coast around 450ks north of us.

Now if we lived back in Melbourne, this would mean the storm centre would be 100k's north of Albury!  So the storm centre will be a long way from us when it is at is strongest.  After crossing the coast it is expected to head south and over us.  Fortunately, once over the land, the storm loses some of its wind strength.

On the map above, we are just below where it says "Maroochydore" and fortunately for us, our home is above the 100 year flood line, unlike the vast majority of the Sunshine Coast.

The southern side of the Tropical Low gets the brunt of the wind and the rain as the winds swirl around the cell centre in a clockwise direction.  I guess it would be in the opposite direction if we lived in Texas.

We have been told to expect increasing showers this afternoon and full scale rain Thursday and Friday.  We are to expect around 300mls of rain over the next few days.  Hopefully it should clear by Saturday morning as the cell heads towards northern NSW.

I have just emptied the Waeco fridge from outside the back door and cleaned it up a little.  After it dries, I will bring it safely inside.  I have removed the 'plug' from within the pool's skimmer box to allow all the excess water from the extra rain to drain into the storm water system around the house.

I will stack the outdoor chairs later today so they are more likely to stay where they are and not blow over.

I mowed the lawn again yesterday afternoon so it will dry out as quickly as possible after the rain clears.

The whole of the Sunshine Coast is bracing itself for strong winds and high tides.  It is hoped the strong winds do not decimate the glorious surf beaches by washing away much of the beach sand.

Now for our other news.  I treated myself to a couple of new polyester T-Shirts mainly for my daily bike riding and a another polyester polo top yesterday.  The polo top feels just great when you wear it and is light and easy to wash and dry, just perfect for travelling overseas and for Mediterranean cruises.

It was my birthday and these shirts would be my gift.

We checked out the local "Trade Secret" store which specializes in end of run specials from the larger clothing manufacturers at reduced prices.  Attached to Trade Secret is another store of theirs called "Home Secret".  Trish grabbed this extremely lightweight Pierre Cardin suitcase with 'spinner' wheels at what seems a great price. Check out the photo
left.

With the World Cup Cricket on over the next couple of weeks there is plenty of sport on TV so the wet weather won't be a problem.

I am lined up for a endoscopy on Tuesday morning (both ends).  I begin the 'prep' Monday afternoon.  I am so looking forward to Tuesday afternoon!  This is not one of the more pleasant procedures one has to endure as life goes on.  As unpleasant as it all is, it is still much much better than the alternative!