Tropical cyclone Oswald

Well, we have had our first encounter with an ex tropical cyclone. Oswald formed over the Gulf of Carpentaria a few days ago and then slowly tracked east over the Cape York Peninsula. It then turned south and more or less followed the coast while at the same time it was downgraded from a Category 1 cyclone to a severe tropical storm.
Last night it had turned inland by a small distance and at midnight was on the same latitude as Cairns but about 30 miles inland. We had torrential rain and wind gusts up to 35 knots (about 75 kms) so not so bad. In fact we have had worse in the Whangarei Marina! Had to go on deck in the early hours to remove the foredeck awning before it flogged itself to death.
This morning it's still overcast but no rain and the wind is negligible. Jean's been to the gym on her bike but Jim slept in and didn't go swimming after the night's excesses!
Let's hope that's as bad as it gets but got another 2 months at least to go yet. Watch this space.
Cheers and love from us............
Jim and Jean (Gina)

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