Tourists take shelter as Cardwell opens its doors to visitors ahead of TC Kirrily making landfall

International visitors are being given shelter by business owners in Cardwell as Tropical Cyclone Kirrily prepares to lash the North Queensland coastline.

International visitors are being given shelter by business owners in Cardwell as Tropical Cyclone Kirrily prepares to lash the North Queensland coastline.

The cyclone is still on track to cross the coast at Townsville on Thursday night as a category two system, with surrounding areas expected to cop heavy winds and rainfall.

An aerial view of the township of Cardwell in Far North Queensland. In 2011, Cyclone Yasi crossed directly over the town, destroying buildings and infrastructure with the highway and the foreshore completely rebuilt. Picture: Brendan Radke

Cardwell Beachcomber Motel and Tourist Park manager Desiree Lake gave two European travellers a room after discovering they were sleeping in a tent this morning.

“They were staying nearby so we’ve just given them somewhere to stay,” Ms Lake said.

“Today, the weather’s starting to get real and I’ve done similar things (for visitors) in the past.

“I think they were supposed to be going to Maggie Island but came up here instead.

“We just want to make sure everyone feels safe.”

Residents have been preparing all week for TC Kirrily, Beachcomber Motel and Tourist Park manager Desiree Lake says. Picture: Brendan Radke

While many tourists have already left, the seaside accommodation provider will host around 30 guests as the cyclone makes landfall, Ms Lake said.

“I try to make them know they’re not alone,” she said.

“We do encourage anyone in caravans to leave though. That’s not an experience you want to go through.”

Like other businesses, staff have spent recent days putting outdoor furniture away, moving bins and lowering shade sails as TC Kirrily approaches.

“It always sends our anxiety levels up,” Ms Lake said.

“But we’re realists and we know that we have to put that anxiety side and get ready.

“I’m confident that we’re well prepared. We’re on the edge of it (the cyclone) but people are doing what they need to do.”

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto says residents should be ready for subsequent flooding north of Townsville. Picture: Chris Burns.

The potential for subsequent flooding once the cyclone crosses was a key concern for areas north of Townsville, Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto said.

“The message is to be prepared but be sensible,” Mr Dametto said.

“Make sure you have food, water, a cyclone kit and that you’re prepared to potentially be without power.”

“Latest modelling indicated that the cyclone is heading for the northern beaches of Townsville.

“Everyone’s being asked to watch and prepare. Lift things in low-lying areas and undertake flood mitigation work where you can.

“We are very concerned to the north because a lot of those river systems are primed with water. The Herbert River could swell to moderate to major flood levels.”

Surrounding areas to the north and south of Cardwell typically flood during a cyclone, Ms Lake said.

“We do become Cardwell island sometimes but we should be fine,” she said.

Originally published as Tourists take shelter as Cardwell opens its doors to visitors ahead of TC Kirrily making landfall