“If you’re in the Stormtide Zone, or in an area where you know there’s a river flood, you should consider evacuation plans now,” Crisafulli said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the heavy lift helicopter was deployed and offered to “provide the necessary resources” to the state government.
Many residents are leaving their homes as authorities rush to open evacuation centres. Punch bags are in short supply, and supermarket shelves are exposed as people stock up on essentials.
Southeast Queensland and northeastern New South Wales last hit the Cyclone in 1974 over half a century ago. The last time the Cyclone threatened Brisbane was in 1990, but the system tracked south just before it reached the city.
Schools in southeast Queensland will be closed, while public transport will be closed Thursday and Friday.
A total of 122 schools in northern New South Wales will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, prompting vulnerable residents to move by Thursday morning, New South Wales Prime Minister Chrismins said.
“We need to unload the bunker for the next 48 hours and get through what could be a very difficult time,” he told reporters.
Qantas said it has cancelled many flights from southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, but there have been more flights in the coming days.
