Residents are being told to stay indoors until advised as Severe Tropical Cyclone Kirrily moves closer to the Queensland coast.
The Category 3 system is expected to make landfall after 9pm on Thursday 25 January.
Townsville Local Disaster Management Group (TLDMG) Chair Jenny Hill said for some the eye of the system could be deceiving.
“Some residents may notice the winds getting calmer as the eye of the cyclone passes over them,” Cr Hill said.
“STC Kirrily is moving inland and it’s important that no one goes outside during this time as destructive and very destructive winds are either side of the eye.
“The Category 3 system will bring gusts of up to 170km/h near the centre as it crosses the coast.
“Stay in the strongest, safest part of the building you are in which could be a bathroom, walk-in wardrobe or hallway.
“Stay away from big windows, have a portable radio nearby and keep up to date with the latest accurate information on STC Kirrily by visiting the
“The TLDMG will continue to monitor the situation closely and update the community with any relevant information.”
