Overview
- The Bureau of Meteorology said Monday it now expects Maila to track west–southwest and most likely cross Cape York Peninsula around Sunday.
- As of Tuesday morning, the Category 3 cyclone in the Solomon Sea had sustained winds near 150 km/h with gusts to about 205 km/h, and forecasters say it could strengthen further.
- The storm is moving slowly because steering winds are weak, which allows short‑term strengthening but can also churn up cooler water that may sap its power.
- Authorities in the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea warned of heavy rain, gales and rough seas, while DFAT urged travellers to prepare for disruption in Fiji as separate Cyclone Vaianu tracks south.
- Far North Queensland communities still cleaning up from Cyclone Narelle face a risk of flooding, damaging winds and coastal hazards if Maila approaches, with track and intensity confidence expected to improve midweek.