Queensland clean up begins as thousands remain without power

Cyclone Narelle has left a monster clean-up in its wake, with approximately 1000 homes still without power and an unidentified vessel stranded in the Cape York Peninsula.

The storm crossed the Cape York coast as a dangerous category 4 system about 7am on Friday, producing wind gusts of more than 250km/h and rainfall totals of 217 millimetres in some areas.

Residents hunkered down as the monster storm hit, causing widespread power outages and flooding.

Premier David Crisafulli said it was a blessing the significant storm did not directly hit towns in its path.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better deal out of this in the immediate term,” Crisafulli said from Cooktown on Saturday.

“We’re asking people to be mindful that the flood watch still exists for a large part of north and far north Queensland.”

Swiftwater rescue crews remain in place to assist with flooding.

Queensland Reconstruction Authority chief executive Jake Ellwood said the biggest issue now is flooding.

“History will tell us that a lot of people injure themselves by driving into flooded waters, and I would just implore you, if it’s flooded, just forget it.”

Crisafulli said the damage from the storm thus far appeared to be minor structural damage and some significant road damage.

Emergency services choppers will conduct damage assessments across 16 communities on Saturday.

“Some trees that are down, and obviously we’ve got some power and telecommunications issues, but overwhelmingly, based on the size of the system, we couldn’t have asked for a better deal out of this,” Crisafulli said.

Authorities are concerned about a vessel in Princess Charlotte Bay that has not been identified. It was the only vessel that decided to stay in the area, as others took shelter elsewhere.

It is not known how many people were aboard.

“We’re most keen to find that vessel,” Crisafulli said. “Authorities haven’t been able to make contact with that vessel, so that is something we’re hoping to make today.”

Almost 1500 regional homes were without power at 9.30am on Saturday, including homes at Aurukun, Coen, Lockhart River and Napranum. This reduced to 1100 homes by 11am.

Ergon Energy crews have restored power to Hopevale, Cooktown, Rossville and Wujal Wujal.

Restoring power hinges on safe access, weather conditions and damage assessments, which will be conducted when crews are on the ground, an Ergon spokesperson said.

“Approximately 50 crew members are heading to remote sites by aircraft, with the equipment they need for emergency network repairs,” they said.

“We’ve had multiple reports of fallen powerlines, so this is our most important community safety message: Fallen powerlines can be hidden in tree branches and other cyclone debris. Take extra care when you are cleaning up, stay well away from any fallen powerlines and report them to emergency services.

“Making sites safe for the communities and everyone supporting them in the clean-up and recovery phase will be the first priority for our crews before they commence restoration work.”