Yahoo News Australians warned to evacuate ahead of cyclone Debbie
Tens of thousands of residents and tourists across north-east Australia have been told to evacuate as a category four tropical cyclone heads towards the region with wind speeds of more than 130 miles an hour.
With the cyclone, named Debbie, expected to make landfall at about 9am locally (midnight BST), officials said it will bring wave surges more than eight feet above high tide levels and warned residents of low-lying coastal areas to leave.
The cyclone’s intensity has been increasing and it is due to hit the coast near Bowen, a coastal town in the state of Queensland. More than 30,000 people in the town and nearby Bowen have been told to leave.
"Don't wait till tomorrow, because you will not be able to move,” said Ian Stewart, the Queensland Police Service Commissioner.
"We're asking people to take those precautions and move now.
Strong winds and rain have already begun to hit the state’s north-east coast, an area filled with resorts. The region is popular with travellers visiting the Great Barrier Reef, a marine reserve famous for it coral and colourful sea life.
Several island resorts which are potentially in the cyclone’s path have warned guests to stay in their rooms.
“All guests have been advised to remain in their rooms or the main atrium area - which are cyclone rated - for the next 24 to 36 hours depending on the path of the cyclone,” said a statement from Daydream Island resort.
Andrew Willcox, the mayor of the Whitsunday council, said he was concerned the cyclone could “wipe” Bowen off the map.
“Everyone’s pretty laid back in these coastal communities so we’re trying to get them fired up to take this cyclone seriously,” he said.
Graham Wilson, a Bowen resident, insisted the town was “tough” and painted a large sign on a wooden fence, saying: “Cyclone Debbie, bring it on… Do your best.”
“Everyone is on edge,” Mr Wilson told Queensland’s Courier-Mail newspaper.
“We’ll cop it and move on. It’s a tough little town, it will survive.”
Bryce Thompson, another resident, said: “I hope our roof doesn’t get blown off. My stomach’s been feeling woozy here this morning.”
The region was hit by Cyclone Yasi six years ago, which caused about £800 million worth of damage to buildings and hotels.
Schools and universities in the area have been shut and public transport services have been cancelled, with residents warned to expect power blackouts and communication problems.
