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Flight cancellations as Cyclone Debbie tears across Queensland's north coastline

Flight to and from parts of Queensland's north coast have been affected today and tomorrow as 'intense' category four Cyclone Debbie hits the region.

Flight to and from parts of Queensland’s north coast have been affected today and tomorrow as ‘intense’ category four Cyclone Debbie hits the region.

Tourists and locals went into lock-down on Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Islands overnight as winds of 160-200 kilometres per hour and heavy rainfall approached.

Today, thousands more are being urged to find higher ground in areas between Ayr and Mackay where the storm is expected to hit in the coming hours.

The Department of Meteorology is reported as having predicted that the storm could last for up to 24 hours and may even intensify to category five before it leaves Queensland’s coast.

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Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski described Cyclone Debbie as a “very big system” that is believed to have already lifted roofs off houses and even ripped into “facilities in the Whitsundays”, ABC News Online reported.

“This is a very big system. The core, if it does cross the coast at 2:00pm, then there’s a protracted period of destructive winds and then high winds.”

Steve Gollschewski, Deputy Commissioner

Jetstar has responded to weather conditions by cancelling services to and from parts of Queensland’s north-east coast – including Townsville, Mackay and Prosperine – today.

The low-cost carrier said it will contact all passengers on cancelled flights via email or SMS to provide alternative options.

Meanwhile, Virgin Australia said it will not operate any flights in or out of Hamilton Island, Mackay, Middlemount, Moranbah, Proserpine and Townsville.

The carrier said it will monitor weather conditions and provide further updates when available. Meanwhile, affected passengers will be able to re-book on an alternative service or hold a credit for use at a later date.

An Azamara ship and its passengers were re-routed from Cyclone Debbie's path to the Sunshine Coast.

An Azamara ship and its passengers were re-routed from Cyclone Debbie’s path to the Sunshine Coast’s Mooloolaba.

In the cruising sector, Azamara Club Cruises’ has re-routed its vessel to the Sunshine Coast’s port of Mooloolaba in order to avoid Cyclone Debbie’s path.

The vessel was originally scheduled to sail to the Whitsundays enroute to Singapore, instead passengers are enjoying sunny conditions on the Sunshine Coast, with Visit Sunshine Coast volunteers and staff co-ordinating tour activities for the passengers to explore the region.

Meanwhile, Tropical North Queensland is reminding tourists and Travel Agents that it is unaffected by Cyclone Debbie continues to enjoy clear sunny skies and is still open for business.

For storm and flood assistance contact SES on 132 500 and in a life-threatening emergency call 000.

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