Queenslanders can expecte sting in Debbie’s tail

Storm downgraded but will produce heavy rainfall as it moves south

Cyclone Debbie was taking aim at other parts of Queensland after pummelling north Queensland, leaving behind a path of destruction at normally idyllic locations including Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island.

It was expected to be felt across the northern Queensland coastline into tomorrow.

The Cyclone made landfall shortly after 1pm local time (4pm NZT) near Bowen, where it was described by Premier Annastacia Paluszczuk as “equivalent to a one-in-100-year event”.

Roofs were ripped from buildings and flying debris caused damage as the cyclone’s most destructive zone impacted the Whitsunday Islands and mainland towns.

But while residents in those areas were expected to start assessing the damage today, Debbie was set to hit other areas of the state as it turned into a tropical low.

Sky News Weather chief meteorologist Tom Saunders said Debbie’s effects could reach further than just the coastline.

Saunders said a tropical low would produce heavy falls in inland areas including in Collinsville and Charters Towers up until late tomorrow.

And he said Brisbane and Sydney could also cop some heavy falls in coming days as the system twisted south and southeast.

While Brisbane wouldn’t feel the direct effects of the cyclone, the city could expect some heavy rain.

Cyclone Debbie is the strongest storm to hit Queensland since Cyclone Yasi destroyed homes and crops and devastated island resorts in 2011.

The Insurance Council of Queensland has already declared the storm a “catastrophe”.

Authorities had feared tidal surges in low-lying areas as the storm whipped up waves and currents and lifted sea levels, but said later that danger had eased.

— Reuters, news.com.au