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Cyclone Debbie: What to expect on Tuesday

Ben Domensino, Monday March 27, 2017 - 21:20 AEDT

After spending three days brewing over the Coral Sea, Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie will make landfall tomorrow.

These are the main threats on Tuesday.

Wind: The large size of Cyclone Debbie will cause gales to extend hundreds of kilometres along the coast and adjacent inland, possibly reaching north to Cardwell, south to St Lawrence and inland to Charters Towers. Destructive gusts are a risk between Townsville and Mackay. Gusts near the core may reach 260km/h at landfall, which is strong enough to completely destroy old structures, dislodge roofs, uproot trees, down power lines and cause dangerous airborne debris.

Rain: Heavy and persistent rain and isolated severe thunderstorms will affect a large area of central eastern Queensland. Widespread rainfall totals of 100-200mm are likely during the 24 hours from midnight to midnight between about Ayr and Saint Lawrence and inland to Moranbah. Isolated totals are likely to exceed 300mm.

Storm surge: This will be the most dangerous feature of this cyclone for some coastal areas. The combination of powerful and relentless onshore winds, a drop in air pressure, a spring tide and large waves on Tuesday morning will cause flooding along the coast to the south of the cyclone's core. The most significant coastal inundation is expected to occur between Cape Upstart and St Lawrence.

Severe weather is already occurring tonight and cyclone advisories will be updated hourly until landfall. Stay up to date with the latest warnings at: http://www.weatherzone.com.au/warnings.jsp

- Weatherzone

© Weatherzone 2017

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