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Cyclone Debbie strengthens as Queensland braces

Ben Domensino, Sunday March 26, 2017 - 10:54 AEDT

Tropical Cyclone Debbie continues to strengthen over the Coral Sea as Queensland residents prepare for destructive weather in the days ahead.

Debbie was a category two cyclone as of 8am AEST today and is expected to reach category three by this evening. The system is likely to intensify further while approaching Queensland on Monday and reach category four strength before making landfall on Tuesday.

A category four severe tropical cyclone is the second highest rating in Australia's five-tiered system and is capable of producing very destructive wind gusts between 225 and 279km/h.

Wind and rain will pick up along Queensland's central coast this afternoon, mainly to the south of Ayr. Conditions will intensify further and become more widespread on Monday, with destructive winds developing between Ayr and Mackay and possibly extending north to Lucinda by the evening.

Very destructive winds and persistent heavy rain are likely near the core of Cyclone Debbie as it makes landfall between Townsville and Proserpine on Tuesday morning.

Abnormally high tides and large waves will help to cause coastal flooding to the south of Debbie in the lead to and during its coastal crossing.

Changes to the forecast path of Cyclone Debbie are still possible in the next few days. Refer to the latest cyclone advisories for the most up to date information at: http://www.weatherzone.com.au/charts/tropicalcyclone.jsp

- Weatherzone

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