NT Australia on cyclone watch

[senorpepr]

The Bureau of Meteorology says a tropical low off the Northern Territory coast is not expected to develop into a cyclone before tomorrow.

In its latest advice, the bureau says the near-stationary low is centered in the Arafura Sea, 255 kilometers north of Elcho Island and 465 kilometers east-north-east of Cape Don.

The low has a central pressure of 995 hectopasacals (mb).
Senior forecaster Don McGuffie says gales are not expected in coastal areas within the next 24 hours.

"It still is a way off the coast, so most of the effects will still be offshore but it's going to depend on its movement obviously," he said.

"In the longer term we do expect it... will move south or south-westwards at some stage that's for sure."

Meanwhile, the organizer of an annual feral animal hunt in the Northern Territory says it is attracting interest nationwide.

Rod Haines from Pine Creek, 200 kilometers south of Darwin, says this year's Pig and Pussy hunt has a $700 prize for the biggest boar.

He says the hunt starts on Boxing Day (Dec 26) with the weigh-in on New Year's Day.

Mr Haines says the event is becoming very popular.

"We've created a lot of interest from the east coast mainly," he said.
"There's a lot of north Queensland hunters coming over this year. A few people left from Melbourne two days ago to head up for it that were up here for the August hunt.

"I hear there's a few coming from WA. So we're pretty well getting it Australia-wide now."

[Hurricanehink]

Wow, a lot changed! Not only did that become a cyclone (5P: Debbie), but it should reach hurricane strength.