Urgent update from Cyclone Kirrily as authorities reveal where and when the massive tropical storm will hit: 'Severe impact'
Cyclone Kirrily is expected to hit Australia's east coast on Thursday as authorities warn the storm will have a 'severe impact'.
In a dramatic update on Monday afternoon, Queensland Premier Steven Miles said the storm will become a tropical cyclone on Tuesday.
The plane is expected to make landfall between Innisfail and Airlie Beach, south of Cairns, on Thursday.
“Severe consequences are likely, especially if crossings occur close to or south of Townsville,” Miles said at a news conference.
“The preparations of our disaster management team are in full swing.”
Queenslanders have been urged to stay aware of warnings from both local councils and the state government over the next 72 hours.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) predicted the storm would become a Category 1 cyclone on Tuesday morning after developing in the Coral Sea.
The cyclone is expected to continue intensifying once it becomes a tropical cyclone and reaches category three on Wednesday.
A BOM spokesperson told media on Monday that “severe tropical cyclone impacts” are expected for communities in North Queensland as the cyclone grows to category three.
“Storms with damaging winds of up to 75 miles per hour may develop in the coastal and island communities between Ayr and St. Lawrence as early as Wednesday morning,” the spokesperson said.
“That could spread to other areas after Wednesday as that system gets closer.”
Heavy rains and flash flooding are also 'likely' as the system crosses land.
The cyclone is expected to move south where heavy rain could fall across central and south-east Queensland.
It is then forecast to lose power as it moves inland and returns to a low pressure system on Friday.
Authorities believe developing Cyclone Kirrily (pictured) is expected to hit land between Innisfail and Airlie Beach, south of Cairns, on Thursday
Queensland Premier Steven Miles (pictured) said a 'severe impact is likely' if the cyclone crosses land south of Townsville
Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy urged Queenslanders to take precautions to survive before the cyclone hits.
He advised people to have three days' supply of non-perishable food and power for a phone, as during a cyclone it can “sometimes take up to 72 hours before emergency services can assist”.
Those planning to travel for Australia Day on Friday are also urged to 'stay up to date' with the latest government messages.
“We know this Friday is a public holiday and we are aware that a lot of people will be on our roads and camping in our campsites, just staying connected,” Mr Chelepy said.
More to come.