Townsville residents warned to prepare for destructive winds

Townsville residents should make final preparations for destructive winds from Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

TLDMG chair and Townsville Mayor Cr Jenny Hill warned residents that the city was in the path of Cyclone Debbie’s destructive zone despite the system taking a slightly southerly track.

The TLDMG received briefings this morning from the Bureau of Meteorology which has Cyclone Debbie crossing the coast just south of the city on Tuesday morning.
“Based on the Cyclone’s predicted path, we can expect destructive winds of Category 3 strength or more in the greater Townsville area,” Cr Hill said.

“The Bureau’s latest advice is predicting minimal impact from storm surge, but very destructive winds and significant rainfall.

“Residents need to be using the available time to complete preparations and have their cyclone plans in place.

“We advise people to stay in the safety of their own homes.

“If you feel unsafe, you should make plans to go to friends or family.

“Places of refuge and the city’s cyclone shelter are a last resort for those that have nowhere to go. We will inform the community when these locations are activated and fully staffed.

“The only areas where we are asking people to self-evacuate at this stage are around the Cape Cleveland and Cungulla areas.

“Police will be visiting beachfront properties in Cungulla today advising residents to relocate.

“All emergency services and other core groups of the TLDMG including the council are fully resourced and ready to respond. The Army is also fully geared up to mobilise at short notice.

“The Townsville Disaster Coordination Centre is fully staffed and taking calls from the public.”

• Townsville Disaster Coordination Centre 1800 738 541. Operational from 7am-7pm today
• Up to date information available Council’s website www.townsville.qld.gov.au
• Facebook (Townsville Disaster Information) as well as Twitter account (@TCC_News).