Cyclone expected to bring heavy rain and destructive winds to Queensland

Tropical cyclone set to his Queensland this week

Disaster preparations are underway as a tropical low intensifies into a severe tropical cyclone off the coast of Queensland.

The Bureau of Meteorology warned tropical Cyclone Kirrily would make landfall near Townsville as a category three storm on Thursday.

The system will bring the risk of heavy rain, flooding, destructive winds and a dangerous storm tide.

“We have issued a tropical cyclone watch, meaning we could see impacts within 48 hours along the coast of Queensland,” bureau response manager Lauren Boekel said.

“The watch is current from Ayr to St Lawrence, that includes Mackay and the Whitsunday Islands as well.”

Wind gusts of 165 to 224 km/h could be possible if the system makes landfall as a category three tropical cyclone.

Residents from Innisfail to Airlie Beach are urged to prepare long-life food and water supplies, fill up their vehicles with petrol and have a power pack at home as it could take emergency services up to 72 hours to reach devastated towns.

The system is likely to weaken after making landfall.

Weatherzone said the system however is predicted to carry heavy rain and blustery winds across the state’s central, south and south-east.

The system is currently located over the central Coral Sea, roughly 860 km to the east-northeast of Townsville.

Disaster teams have assured residents the state’s power supply is prepared to cope with the incoming disaster.

Queenslanders are advised to stay up to date with forecasts and warnings.