Destructive winds might start to be experienced within the next hour, the Bureau of Meteorology said.
“The strongest and most destructive winds will be near the centre of the system, where the wind gusts may peak in excess of 250km/h, and these very destructive winds may start to be experienced within the next hour ahead of the coastal crossing as that eye wall approaches,” senior meteorologist Sarah Scully says.
“Winds of this strength have the potential to cause significant structural damage to buildings and property, such as significant loss of roofs.
“Large and dangerous airborne debris can also cause serious harm and damage, and as well, caravans and trailers are likely to be destroyed or blown away, and extensive damage to trees and vegetation are expected, with trees likely to be uprooted or potentially stripped bare of leaves.”
Scully warned that intense rain would also be experienced soon, and might bring dangers such as life-threatening flash flooding and rapid creek and river rises.
“This will create dangerous conditions for travel, and at the same time, a dangerous storm surge will move onto the land as the cyclone approaches,” she said.
“So this may cause inundation of beaches or low-lying areas.”
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