The Bureau of Meteorology predicts Severe Tropical Cyclone Kirrily will cross the Queensland coast as a Category 3 system.
The latest tracking map has it crossing the coast near Townsville.
It is expected to bring destructive and very destructive winds and heavy rainfall to the region, between Mutarnee and Cungulla, by 6pm.
Townsville Local Disaster Management Group (TLDMG) Chair Jenny Hill said time was running out to act.
“If you need to leave to go to friends and family then do it now. We want people to continue to shelter in place,” Cr Hill said.
“STC Kirrily is expected to cross the coast at around 10pm and people will notice wind gusts getting stronger in the lead up to it.
“You should not be on the roads now and you should stay indoors until advised further.
“The Heatley Secondary College public cyclone shelter will be locked from 6pm and will not reopen until further advised.
“Residents can expect to hear very loud wind noise, things possibly hitting their house, trees being knocked down and power, phone and internet to stop working.
“Stay in the strongest, safest part of the building you are in which could be a bathroom, walk-in wardrobe or hallway.
“Stay away from big windows, have a portable radio nearby and keep up to date with the latest accurate information on STC Kirrily by visiting the Emergency Management and Disaster Dashboard.
“The TLDMG will continue to monitor the situation closely and update the community with any relevant information.”
