Cyclone Debbie expected to hit the coast earlier than expected

Residents in far-North Queensland are being told to prepare for Cyclone Debbie to make landfall this afternoon, sooner than previously expected.

The storm is expected to hit the coast tomorrow morning at around 6am AEST and could reach a Category 4 level.

The latest update from the Bureau of Meteorology says the cyclone was still a Category 2 at 1am overnight, but is building as it gets closer to land.

Updated track map has been issued for Tropical #CycloneDebbie, remaining Cat 2 intensity at 1am. https://t.co/YTkwbdYNGp pic.twitter.com/tGbZBMhc57

— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) March 26, 2017

The Queensland ambulance service has told residents to have an emergency kit prepared and to heed official advice over evacuations.

All householders need to know where your Emergency Kit is kept.

— Queensland Ambulance (@QldAmbulance) March 26, 2017

Emergency alerts have already been issued for a number of towns in the region, with cyclone shelters ready for an influx of people as the day progresses.

Cyclone Debbie is predicted to be the most destructive weather event to hit far-North Queensland since Cyclone Yasi devastated the area in 2011. 

Local residents are urged to stay up-to-date with warnings from emergency services as they progress throughout the day. 

Do you know anyone affected by Cyclone Debbie? Have you ever been caught in a weather event like this?