Posted on the Queensland Police facebook page...
http://www.facebook.com/notes/queensland...167285749986112

An aircraft flew over the Island on Sat 5th Feb and took some pictures. From this evidence when can see that the main building (built to cyclone standards in 2005) appears undamaged, but the radome (which covers the radar) was shredded and part of it are still lying over the radar. The radar is no longer operating, but still in position on its tower. There is some damage to peripheral facilities - the sea water pump room has been washed away. Birds and turtle tracks in the sand are evident.

If anyone has pictures or further information can they post it here.

Cheers

Really, Tuesday the 4th? They must've had a rough night on Wednesday the 2nd...

Did Willis Is use Ultrasonic wind sensors or cup anemometers ?
The backup satellite communications: Satellite requires pin point accuracy, would it pay to have a 'slow' HF radio backup as well ??

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Live Weather Data & Lightning Tracker from Mareeba

we really have gone backwards over the years , HF radio was the stuff... and would be a good backup in many situations.. even a lot of the remote automatic sites could use HF..

would be good to see a couple of pics.. I know the builders that spent time out there in 05 and they said it would be OK before Yasi hit ..

cheers

Has anymore been heard about the damage sustained to poor little Willis Island? I noticed the BOM's radar says it should be back up and running by April sometime but some foto's of the damage etc would be nice to see.

ha, got shot down in flames for saying there were four bom guys left on island overnight.

Radar service is currently unavailable due to:
Reason: Technical or equipment problems
Date: 02-02-2011
Start time: 10:00
Duration: 3552 hour
Estimated time of restoration of service: 30/6/2011 10:00

Pretty specific...and not soon, either. I hope that's a conservative estimate. Mind you, expecting WI to be up and running before the end of the Wet is probably unreasonable, and it'd be slim pickings for weather out there in Winter.
On a semi-related note: I hope Willis isn't in a No Fishing zone...be plenty of down time, you'd think

and imagine the spearfishing and fishing out that way, would be amazing. The station coped the brunt of Yasi by far and then from their dunk-MB-Tully/hull heads-Feluga- Tully then all those towns out west,i wonder if they sustained any damage(towns out west)

http://www.bom.gov.au/announcements/media_releases/qld/20111212.shtml

Issued: 12 December 2011
MEDIA RELEASE - QUEENSLAND REGIONAL OFFICE

Back to business for Willis Island weather station
One of Australia's most remote weather stations is back online, after four staff took up their posts on Willis Island last week.

Bureau of Meteorology Assistant Director - Observations and Engineering, Dr Bruce Forgan, said the Willis Island restoration project to repair damage caused by cyclone Yasi was a huge operation.

"The project management team have overcome many obstacles presented by the tiny island's remote location, approximately 450km east of Cairns in the Coral Sea, and the unique specifications for equipment to function relying on largely sustainable power sources.

"Construction of the radar was completed in October, and following a period of testing will be reinstated on the Bureau's website today (12 December), to provide real-time weather monitoring information for the coming wet season and increased tropical cyclone activity," said Dr Forgan.

Project Manager, Aoife Murphy, said one of the greatest challenges was to not only rebuild, but to also redesign to ensure greater resilience in the face of a similar event in the tropical cyclone prone region.

"The force of tropical cyclone Yasi changed the shape and size of the island, and cleared much of its vegetation. The first images to emerge showed an island stripped bare and covered in sand.

"Fortunately the main building was virtually intact, but the protective dome covering the radar had been destroyed and as a result the radar itself damaged beyond repair," said Ms Murphy.

Willis Island is approximately the size of a football field, but made international headlines earlier this year when severe tropical cyclone Yasi passed directly over the island. A day earlier the Bureau evacuated all four staff, two of whom have returned.

Observer Nicole Cranston and technical officer Matthew Costa are excited about the prospect of finally completing their rotation on Willis Island meteorological office, and observing tropical weather up close.

Officer in charge, Martin Greer, is returning for a second time, and looking forward to the environmental aspects of life on the tiny island surrounded by pristine fringing reefs in the Coral Sea. Willis Island is an important turtle nesting site, and home to several species of seabirds.

For new recruit Doug Cheetham, Willis Island is his first post as an observer. He says nothing prepares you for the feeling when you step off the boat and realise this is going to be your new home for the next few months.

Media Contact:
For media enquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact
Danita Matusch, National Media Relations Adviser, (03) 9669 4057, email media@bom.gov.au

Excellent news. Willis Island is a vital link in the monitoring of cyclones and it is a comfort to have it back up and running. Well dome BoM.

Agreed ^! Was a bit worried it wouldn't be done in time for our first cyclone (Whenever that is), but ready just at the perfect time!

we have managed to get some vision of willis island from the BOM. not much, but good pix.
those in townsville and cairns can see it tonight at 6pm on the news.

Just saw some footage and a story on ABC NEWS 24. What a great little island. Do those BOM guys and girls sit there with a fishing rod between Balloon releases. Nice looking place until a CAT 5 Yasi decides to visit.

yeah looks like a small, yet amazing place, so many birds. apart from snorkelling and fishing what else to do over there???

Long evening walks but you would get a bit dizzy. Shopping - from the anchored prawn trawlers. Stormchasing on foot. Amazing weather watching. Weather forums. and of course snorkelling and fishing. lol.

Enough to keep me occupied for at least 2 weeks.

Good to see my two Darwin colleagues Marty and Nicole in the news there! good job guys!

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-13/cyclone-watch-station-working-once-again/3727766

TS