Communities rally for clean-up after Cyclone Marcia

The Australian Defence Force is set to help survey cyclone-hit towns in central Queensland today as the region begins counting the cost of Cyclone Marcia.

The fierce category 5 system made landfall near Shoalwater Bay on Friday morning before grazing Yeppoon and passing over Rockhampton.

Leanne Smith, whose daughter and two grandchildren, aged 7 and 11, were evacuated from their Yeppoon home, said she couldn't believe what was left when she returned to survey the damage.

"I was actually really emotionally affected by it," Ms Smith told AAP.

"It's just not something you can really explain to people, it's actually quite devastating."

Miraculously, the family's goldfish survived the storm and was found swimming around in its small tank surrounded by the home's fallen walls.

"It was called Pig, but my grandson Tarn has renamed it Superfish after this," she laughed.

The system was gradually downgraded to a category 3 cyclone as it tracked down the coast, leaving a trail of destruction with many homes having roofs torn off.

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• Flood warning for Qld's North Burnett

• Central Queensland towns devastated as storm tracks across state

• Resident describes the moment the cyclone hit

Rockhampton local Phil Tout was inside his home when the roof was torn off.

"I got belted across the head and back with bits of timber and Christ knows what else," Mr Tout told ABC.

"A big lump of timber hit me across the back of the neck. I was out to it for a couple of minutes.

"I'm in a bit of pain at the moment. I'm in more pain than shock."

There have been no reports of any deaths associated with the cyclone.

The system crossed as a category five cyclone at Shoalwater Bay around 7am (AEST) on Friday, tearing apart homes and washing some into the ocean.

It then weakened to a category three system, moving south-west to Rockhampton, before tracking down the Queensland coastline.

More than 1300 State Emergency Service volunteers have been mobilised to begin the clean up in affected communities.

Residents across south-east Queensland are being warned to brace for possible flooding.

• Tropical cyclone warnings and infomation

• Tropical cyclone advice for Cyclone Marcia

• Forecast map Cyclone Marcia

Rob Webb from the Bureau of Meteorology says heavy rain and strong wind gusts are expected to continue.

"As the low comes down during later [on Saturday], during the afternoon and during the late morning into the afternoon it will pick up again."

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said residents needed to remain vigilant into Friday evening.

"Over the course of this evening, listen to your radio and please remain safe,” she said.

"[On Saturday] morning, we will also have more details about the assessment; we'll have helicopters in the area.”

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SEE HOW THE DISASTER UNFOLDED BELOW.

UPDATE Friday 6.25pm (AEST)

Annastacia Palaszczuk has addressed the media on Cyclone Marcia following a briefing from emergency services.

The Queensland Premier said more than 500 Ergon staff have been deployed on the ground to restore power to thousands of homes affected by outages.

Around 1300 State Emergency Service volunteers have also been mobilised to help communities affected.

UPDATE 6pm (AEST)

UPDATE 5:15pm (AEST)

Residents are preparing for flash flooding, as heavy rain falls in south-east Queensland.

More than 60 millimetres has been dumped on Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast since 6am (AEST) today.

But authorities have confirmed the local rain and flooding is not linked to Tropical Cyclone Marcia.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the conditions were the result of a separate weather event affecting the state's south-east.

"There have been quite a few concerns raised about the amount of rain that we are receiving here in the south-east," she said.

"At the moment, this is not connected to the cyclone. This is a separate weather event."

The Queensland Premier also said there has been no reports of serious injuries as a result of Cyclone Marcia.

She confirmed there has been significant damage to properties in Yeppoon and Rockhampton and that thousands of residents remain without power in the state's south-east.

"Can I please urge all residents in south-east Queensland to please listen to your radio and make sure that you listen to the advice of local authorities," she said.

Meanwhile Queensland's Assistance Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said roads had reopened into affected areas.

"We're getting a comprehensive view of what's happened in Yeppoon at the moment but certainly that's just now starting to come in for Rockhampton," she said.

"I reiterate the message from everybody: please stay in your houses.

"Don't come out unless it's safe to do so, particularly because of power lines over the roads.

"We have received information that we will be able to move into Yeppoon - the roads are open - so that will give emergency services greater access to that area to conduct further assessments."

UPDATE 4:12pm (AEST)

The Queensland SES says it has received more than 2600 calls for assistance in the past 24 hours.

While the RACQ says it has responded to over 800 calls for emergency towing.

UPDATE 4pm (AEST)

UPDATE 3.30pm (AEST)

Surf Life Saving Queensland has advised beaches across south-east Queensland remain closed.

Officials say they will be re-opened after an assessment of conditions.

UPDATE 3:55pm (AEST)

UPDATE 3:45pm (AEST)

Hundreds of Brisbane residents have been lining up to get sandbags at the Newmarket Depo.

Flash flooding is expected in the city as Cyclone Marica weakens and moves through south-east Queensland.

UPDATE 3:15pm (AEST)

Cyclone Marcia has passed Rockhampton, bringing wind gusts of up to 100 km/hr.

7News Meteorologist Tony Audent said the eye of the cyclone has collapsed.

"We've passed a fairly important threshold," he said.

"Essentially, the engines started to cut out but the wheels are still rolling."

The system is expected to continue to weaken as it tracks down the south-east Queensland coast.

A number of flood warnings are in place across the south-east.

UPDATE 2:30pm (AEST)

A number of house in Yeppoon have been been extensively damaged by destructive winds from Cyclone Marcia.

As many as 46, 000 properties are without power.

UPDATE 2:05pm (AEST)

Cyclone Marcia has been downgraded to a category three system.

It is currently impacting Rockhampton and moving south at 19 kilometres an hour.

UPDATE: 1:45pm (AEST)

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has given an update on Tropical Cyclone Marcia.

She says the system is moving towards Rockhampton.

33, 000 homes are without power in Yeppooon.

UPDATE 1:25pm (AEST)

UPDATE 1:14pm (AEST)

The Bureau of Meteorology has advised that Cyclone Marcia has grazed Yeppoon and is now headed towards Rockhampton, where it is predicted to be a category 3 storm.

UPDATE 12:49pm (AEST)

UPDATE 12:29pm (AEST)

UPDATE 12:19pm (AEST)

UPDATE 12:12pm (AEST)

Cyclone Marcia has been downgraded to a category 4 storm.

UPDATE 11:06am (AEST)

UPDATE 10:45am (AEST)

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has spoken on the situation unfolding in Queensland.

Mr Abbott said he’s been in contact with the Queensland Premier and the Commonwealth is willing to help out.

Also said this is a very serious storm and he hopes there’s no loss of life.

UPDATE 10:42am (AEST)

UPDATE 10:26am (AEST)

UPDATE 10:02am (AEST)

Update from Queensland Government on disruptions to public transport:

"We’re expecting delays and disruptions to public transport due to the Cyclone Marcia and Cyclone Lam weather event.

Roads may not be accessible and services may be delayed or cancelled."

For more information visit http://www.qld.gov.au/transport/public/transport/timetables/qconnect/index.html

UPDATE 9:46am (AEST)

Brisbane residents have been urged to start sandbagging as the effects of Cyclone Marcia are felt.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said residents in low-lying suburbs should be taking precautions, with the cyclone expected to generate a large storm surge on top of the normal high tide level and torrential rain.

"We have had about 90,000 sandbags collected from our five depots and more are available," he said.

UPDATE 9:40am (AEST)

FULL LIST OF SCHOOL CLOSURES

Over 100 schools and almost 50 early childhood education and care services have been closed across Queensland.

FULL LIST BELOW

[ deta.qld.gov.au| deta.qld.gov.au]

UPDATE 9:23am (AEST)

UPDATE 9:15am (AEST)

UPDATE 8:54am (AEST)

Police have located two fisherman whose boat sank near Fraser Island.

The men, aged 38 and 39, were travelling to the island yesterday morning on a camping and fishing trip when their boat sank.

They sent a relative a text message that morning but police were not told until the afternoon.

UPDATE 8.40am (AEST)

Qld Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has reinforced the safety message as Cyclone Marcia makes landfall.

UPDATE 8.19am (AEST)

The powerful core of the storm has started to impact the Capricorn Coast near Shoalwater Bay.

The system is packing winds wind gusts close to 300 kilometres an hour.

It is expected to continue moving in a southerly direction and is expected to later hit Rockhampton as a category three system.

UPDATE 8.16am (AEST)

UPDATE 8.13am (AEST)

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said a disaster was looming for parts of Queensland.

"This is going to be a calamity, there is no doubt about that," he said.

He said even emergency services would be withdrawing from the cyclone's strike zone in coming hours.

"They will be going to places of safety, so that they are ready as soon as the eye has passed," Mr Stewart said.

"As soon as the danger has passed, they can get out and assist member of the public."

UPDATE 8.06am (AEST)

Qld Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has addressed the media, urging Queenslanders to stay safe.

The premier said the full brunt of the cyclone would be felt in the Yeppoon area and has urged residents in low-lying areas to follow orders to evacuate.

"We are now very concerned with human safety," she told reporters.

She said evacuations had been going on in Yeppoon and nearby low lying areas along the coast.

She said 870 homes would be affected.

"These people have been door knocked and told to evacuate," she said.

Ms Palaszczuk said the cyclone is expected to later hit Rockhampton as a category three system.

"This is also extremely serious," she said of the threat to Rockhampton.

"Can I please say to all of our residents in Yeppoon and the Rockhampton region: your safety is now paramount.

"We want you to stay in your homes. Please do not leave your homes this morning. Do not go outside under any circumstances."

The premier said a very dangerous storm surge would occur in many communities along the coast.

"That storm surge will be 2.6 metres above what is normal at a high tide," she said.

"This is very serious. I can't stress (enough), if you are in a low lying area you will be evacuated. Listen to the authorities and you must go with them."

UPDATE 7:52am (AEST)

Cyclone Marcia is expected to hit the coastline as a category five system at around 9am (AEST).

Ms Palaszczuk

UPDATE 6:24am (AEST)

Two fishermen reported missing off Hervey Bay at 5pm yesterday. Search will resume at first light. Police say weather will severely hamper the operation.

UPDATE 6:17am (AEST)

Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia is now a category 5 storm, the highest rating, and is expected to continue moving in a southerly direction towards the Queensland coast, and make landfall between St. Lawrence and Hervey Bay in less than five hours.

ROLLING COVERAGE THURSDAY 19th.

UPDATE 9:20pm (AEST)

Cyclone Marcia is now moving southwest towards the Queensland coast.

It has slowed and is now expected to make landfall around 9am (AEST).

UPDATE 8:25pm (AEST)

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Service has issued a warning for Ogmore and Marlborough.

Residents have been urged to evacuate by 9pm tonight.

UPDATE 7:50pm (AEST)

Cyclone Marcia has slowed as it moves towards the Queensland coast.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned the category four system is still intensifying, as it expected to be a category five system by landfall.

UPDATE 7pm (AEST)

Cyclone Marcia is now expected to cross the Queensland coast as a category five storm and make landfall around 7am (AEST) on Friday.

The Bureau of Meteorology is warning of wind gusts of up to 295 km/hr.

UPDATE 6pm (AEST)

The Bureau of Meteorology has upgraded Tropical Cyclone Marcia to a category four system.

It is currently sitting 170 km off the coast and is expected to cross between Mackay and Gladstone.

UPDATE 4:45pm (AEST)

Annastacia Palaszczuk has held a media conference after being briefed by emergency services.

The Premier urged Queenslanders to take care.

"This is a serious event. It has changed drastically since this morning," she said.

"When this cyclone crosses it could cross with speeds of up to 260 km/hr.

"It is crucial that you stay by your radio and listen to the hourly updates."

The Bureau of Meteorology said they expected the area between Mackay and Gladstone to be hardest hit by the cyclone.

"Obviously the situation is rapidly escalating as the cyclone has developed more rapidly than normal over the course of today," Queensland Regional Director Rob Webb said.

"A category four Cyclone Marcia would be very serious in terms of damage to property and infrastructure."

Authorities said a decision to close Queensland schools would not be made before 6am tomorrow.

UPDATE 4:15pm (AEST)

The Bureau of Meteorology now expects Cyclone Marcia will be a category four system when it makes landfall.

It is expected is to cross the Capricorn coast between St Lawrence and Gladstone early on Friday morning.

UPDATE 4pm (AEST)

UPDATE 3pm (AEST)

UPDATE 2:25pm (AEST)

UPDATE 2pm (AEST)

The Bureau of Meteorology now expects Cyclone Marcia to strengthen to a category three storm as it makes landfall.

Queensland Regional Director Rob Webb said wind gusts are expected to reach 180km/hr in some parts of the state.

"We'll see gale force winds develop during the late afternoon and evening and then the potential for destructive or very destructive winds to develop as the cyclone approaches," he said.

"Those near the core of the cyclone will experience the worst of the winds."

Heavy rainfall is also expected in parts of the south-east and residents have been warned to prepare for storm tides as the cyclone closes in.

Mr Webb urged residents to be careful around flood waters.

"People need to be aware that they don't drive into or enter flood waters and take particular care in this developing situation."

UPDATE 1:25pm (AEST)

UPDATE 1:15pm (AEST)

UPDATE 12:45pm (AEST)

The Bundaberg Local Disaster Management Group has advised residents to take shelter indoors as Tropical Cyclone Marcia moves towards the Queensland coast.

Bundaberg Regional Mayor Mal Forman said authorities are monitoring conditions.

"The Local Government Disaster Management Group is monitoring and assessing the anticipated effects of Tropical Cyclone Marcia and will advise on the most appropriate sites to be used if the need for evacuation centres develops," he said.

UPDATE 12:25pm (AEST)

UPDATE 12:10pm (AEST)

UPDATE 11:50am (AEST)

The Queensland RSPCA has urged residents to ensure animals are protected, as Tropical Cyclone Marcia bears down on Queensland.

They say pet owners should:

-Ensure animals are appropriately identified.
-Contact the RSPCA Qld Lost & Found team on 1300 363 736 –if pets are lost, or found.
-Create a safe and secure space for animals.
-Call 1300 ANIMAL to report any sick or injured animals in need of assistance.

UPDATE 11:25am (AEST)

Brisbane's Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has advised Queenslanders to prepare for Tropical Cyclone Marcia, as it tracks towards the Queensland coast.

He says residents need to secure loose outdoor items and look after elderly and vulnerable neighbours.

UPDATE 11:00am (AEST)

The Bureau of Meteorology has updated tropical Cyclone Marcia to a Category Two system.

It is expected to cross the Capricorn coast between St Lawrence and Bundaberg early Friday morning.

10:34am(AEST)

Thanks for clearing that up!

10.25am (AEST)

Qantas has suspended all flights between Bundaberg and Hervey Bay until further notice due to stormy conditions. Passengers are being urged to check their flight status.

A severe weather warning is in place from Double Island Point south to the NSW border and inland to the Great Dividing Range, with strong winds and torrential rain predicted to impact parts of the central and the entire southeast coast on Friday.

Gales and heavy rain were already being felt along the Capricornia Coast and inland areas and heavy rain has been reported between Mackay and Double Island Point.

Destructive winds are expected to hit coastal areas from Mackay to Burnett Heads as well as inland areas on Friday.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has issued an alert warning for coastal residents in the Isaac region to leave immediately or seek shelter in a safe place.

Ogmore and Marlborough residents have been told urgent evacuation is strongly recommended, and a storm tide watch and act warning has been issued for some areas in Gladstone.

Residents between Mackay and Double Island Point are being told to prepare to shelter in a safe place, while all those in affected areas are being warned to ensure large items in their yards are secure.

The weather bureau has been warning of dangerous surf, abnormally high tides and heavy rainfall from central Queensland to the southeast coast.

A flood watch warning is current for areas from Rockhampton south to the NSW border.

On Thursday, the Department of Education issued a list of more than 100 schools and childcare centres that will be closed on Friday.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk held a meeting of the Disaster Management Committee in Brisbane on Thursday where she and several of her new ministers were briefed by emergency authorities.

Cyclone centres have been opened in Yeppoon, Proserpine, Mackay and St Lawrence.

Rockhampton Airport will be closed until at least Friday afternoon and other airports are expected to close.

SEQ Water has advised a number of catchments including the Wapa, Enoggera, Ewen Maddock, Gold Creek and Little Nerang dams have reached a level where they may pose a hazard to the safety of people or property downstream.

Torrential rain is expected hit the entire southeast coast on Friday, with up to 400mm predicted in some areas, as the storm tracks south.