SYDNEY, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The category-four storm system Cyclone Debbie made landfall on Tuesday just after 13:00 local time.
Queensland State police made urgent warnings for residents to stay inside and prepare for the 275 km per hour wind gusts.
"Residents from Bowen to Airlie Beach and through to Mackay are directed to shelter in place until told otherwise," authorities warned the public via Twitter.
"If winds stop, you are only in the eye. DO NOT GO OUTSIDE!"
So far, the slow moving storm system has left 20,000 homes without power, snapped trees and tore roofs off building.
A top wind gust of 263 km per hour was recorded on Hayman Island by the Bureau of Meteorology.
When the eye of the storm hits the mainland around 14:00 local time, it's the system is expected to intensify even further.
With the heightened risk of severe structural damage to buildings along with flooding in some areas, Australian emergency services are facing immense challenges, as Cyclone Debbie is predicted to last up to 24 hours, making any rescue or recovery operation near impossible during that time.
