Cyclone Kirrily update: Storm havoc as major airport is set to close, 120km/h winds batter holiday location and Aussies are told: Get ready NOW

Tropical Cyclone Kirrili has officially weakened into a Category 1 storm as it approaches Australia’s east coast.

Kirrili is expected to reach the mainland on Thursday evening but is already causing havoc, with the Whitsunday Islands expected to take the hit on Wednesday evening with winds of 120km/h.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles has confirmed Townsville Airport will close at midday on Thursday as a storm with predicted Category 2 strength makes landfall that night.

The storm is expected to make landfall late on Thursday between Innisfail in the north, Townsville in the center and Sarina in the south.

Heavy rain is expected after the hurricane.

Mr Miles told reporters the storm had “intensified more slowly (than expected) but is moving faster than when we last provided an update yesterday.

It was previously predicted that the storm would have a category three strength, but it has now been downgraded.

The storm is expected to weaken to tropical lows after hitting the mainland, but will be accompanied by “very high levels of precipitation.”

The rain is expected to cause flooding and the premier said people in north and far north Queensland “need to prepare now”.

Mr Miles reassured residents that emergency services would be ready to help those in need, but urged people to avoid flood waters and government guidance.

“Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has deployed 100 personnel to Townsville, which includes a fast boat cruise and assistance from New South Wales and Victoria,” he said.

“Given the heavy rainfall, it is important that Queenslanders consider what travel is required in these areas from Thursday and throughout the weekend.

“Please follow warnings and advisories from the bureau as well as local authorities.”

The tropical minimum is is located approximately 690 km east and northeast of Townsville and is expected to intensify into a cyclone on Wednesday evening.

Laura Buckel from the Bureau of Meteorology said Kirrili’s arrival had been delayed.

“The development of this low remains slow, but we expect it to see tropical cyclone strength this evening,” Ms Buckel said.

Ms Buckel added that the effects of the approaching cyclone will be felt over the next 48 hours.

“Hurricane conditions with damaging wind gusts of up to 120 km/h are likely to affect the Whitsunday Islands this evening, so these islands will be the first to strike.

“As the system moves inland we will start to see communities between Ayr and Serena watching for storms from tomorrow morning.

“Coastal and island committees between Ayr and Cardwell, including Townsville, will begin to see storms from Thursday.

“The most intense rainfall, which could lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, is possible near the center and south of this system, which is most likely as the system crosses the coast on Thursday,” Ms Bockel said.

“Areas between Innisfail and St Lawrence are likely to experience heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding from Thursday morning.

“So from tomorrow we will be able to see the effects of the flash flood.”

She said the cyclone would weaken quickly as it moved inland, but was still expected to cause flooding and heavy rain as it moved west.

“This will continue through Friday and into the long weekend,” Ms. Buckel said.

“It’s important to note that it’s not just about the transition, but what the system will do once it crosses the coast.

“We ask all Queenslanders to be aware of our warnings, especially if they are planning for the long weekend.”

The bureau said the risk of impact in the southeast had dropped, bringing some relief to a region still recovering from a devastating Christmas period.

Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepi on Tuesday said emergency services were preparing for two natural disasters – a cyclone and floods.

He urged Queenslanders to prepare to the best of their ability as it could take rescuers up to 72 hours to reach people trapped by the floods.

“The next 24 hours are critical for our communities, from Cardwell to the Whitsunday region, to prepare for this transition,” Mr Chelepi said.

“From tonight we will ask the community to begin restricting travel to these areas due to the high winds and rain.”

People have also been asked to reconsider their plans for the Australia Day long weekend as a number of campgrounds will close on Wednesday.

Tired emergency crews are well prepared and interstate support is expected to arrive.

NSW support traveled to Queensland on Wednesday to support local crews who have already completed extensive recovery work following back-to-back disasters in December.