'Get ready, get out': Stern emergency warning for Queenslanders in Cyclone Debbie's path

Tropical Cyclone Debbie has been upgraded to a category 3 as it moves closer to the Queensland coast.

 

With winds speeds between 120 and 165km/h, Cyclone Debbie is tracking further south and moving at a speed of 7 km/h.

It is expected to cross the coast on Tuesday morning between Ayr and Cape Hillsborough, north of Mackay, and predicted to intensify further to a category 4 cyclone.

Queenslanders in the cyclone's wide path are being told to remain safe, charge their phones, prepare medications and listen to alerts and experts.

"Listen to expert advice," Premier Anastasia Palaszczuk warned. "That is what I do."

With the cyclone's path tracking further south, the premier said residents in Townsville and surrounding areas north of the storm not become complacent and leave before it's too late.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned Cyclone Debbie could have destructive very destructive core spanning 100 kilometres.

"But what we are seeing is this window of opportunity to leave is drastically closing.

"As those winds pick up, it is going to be unsafe for buses to be on the road, it is going to be unsafe for cars to be on the road."

 

With the Debbie's intense core expected to thrash the coastal region for up to 12 hours, police are warning those in low-lying areas to get out fast.

Residents have been urged not to underestimate Tropical Cyclone Debbie's potential for destruction, predicted to be the worst storm to hit the region since Yasi six years ago.

"This is going to be a nasty cyclone," Premier Palaszczuk told the media on Monday.

"These wind gusts are going to be absolutely huge and my primary concern is making sure that families are safe and that they are listening to the messages."

 

 

 

 

7News

Tagged: Queensland 7, QLD 4, Cyclone Debbie 2