Residents must now shelter in place.
The Townsville Local Disaster Coordination Group (TLDMG) is advising residents from Mutarnee to Cungulla to take shelter. This warning includes Magnetic Island.
Tropical Cyclone Koji has developed and is moving towards the northeast Queensland coast.
TC Koji, a category 2 system, is forecast to cross the coast near Townsville, most likely early on Sunday. Conditions will be dangerous as it gets closer to land.
Gale strength winds are expected from 6pm.
Unless travel is essential, residents should prepare to shelter in place from 6pm until the TLDMG advises it is safe to leave.
Find the strongest and safest room in the building you are in. This will be away from big windows. It could be a bathroom, walk-in warbdrobe or hallway. Shelter here when the time comes.
TLDMG Chair Nick Dametto said anyone who felt unsafe in their home should relocate now, preferably with friends and family.
"The TLDMG refuges are open at the 143 Walker Street Car Park and the Heatley Cyclone Shelter," TLDMG Chair Nick Dametto said.
"Pets can be taken to the 143 Walker Street Car Park Place of Refuge. This place of refuge is accessed through Wills Street. Pets are not allowed at the Heatley Cyclone Shelter.
"If you need to relocate, go to family or friends first. Places of refuge are a last resort.
"If you need to go to a place of refuge, take your emergency kit with you."
For non-life threatening emergencies, call the SES on 132 500. For life-threatening emergencies call triple-0.
To stay up to date visit the Emergency Management and Disaster Dashboard, listen to local radio or phone 13 48 10.
Impacts
- The wind will be very loud.
- You will hear things breaking outside and hitting your house.
- Winds could stop suddenly if the eye of the cyclone goes over. Damaging winds could start again quickly from a different direction.
- Very strong winds can knock down trees and powerlines, and blow away anything not tied down outside. This is a risk to life.
- Power, phone, and internet will stop working.
What you should do
- Stay in your safe placeuntil you are told it is safe. This could take several hours.
- Keep pets in a safe place inside.
- Keep all doors and windows closed.
- Do not use generators inside. Fumes can be deadly.
- Limit use of devices to save batteries, and how much water you drink to make supplies last longer.
Listen to local radio on your battery-powered radio for updates.
