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.
“Serious 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.
Authorities believe developing Cyclone Kirrily (pictured) is expected to hit land between Innisfail and Airlie Beach, south of Cairns, on Thursday
The Bureau of Meteorology predicted the storm would become a category one cyclone on Tuesday morning, but could reach category three on Wednesday.
The cyclone is expected to move south where heavy rain could fall across central and south-east Queensland.
More to come.