Tropical Cyclone Nora is expected to cross the coast near Gilbert River mouth as a severe Category 3 about lunchtime tomorrow.
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Over 10,000 community members in the affected areas have been told to relocate to housing above the storm tide area.
Nora is headed towards the community of Kowanyama.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk warned communities and residents to take Cyclone Nora seriously.
“Weipa and Arakoon are starting to feel the force of these winds now,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“We have been speaking to local Mayor’s about supplies and getting the message out to people in the community who are vulnerable.”
Residents have been told they have two hours to make final preparations in anticipation of the Category 3 system.
The Premier said some residents have already left Mornington Island.
We can all agree that even though some of these communities are far away from us we are all in this together. As Queenslanders we are not leaving any community alone.
- Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk
Spokesperson from the Bureau of Meteorology, Bruce Gunn said very destructive winds at the core of the system are estimated to be 195 km per hour and the system is 100 kms wide.
“Nora is currently 155k west southwest of Weipa and 105k north northwest of Kowanyama and moving southeast towards the coast at about 20 km an hour.”
“After 1am tonight we expect the cyclone to cross the coast,” Mr Gunn said
Assistant Commissioner Bob Gee, State Disaster Coordinator said there will be a certain stage this evening when it will not be safe for anyone to be out.
“This includes the police, SES and health professionals, so please heed the warnings and get to a high place of safety. Lock down and stay there until it is safe to come out.”
Mount Isa is expected to receive heavy rainfall and flood watches are in place.