The cyclone will bring winds of up to 150 km/h, heavy rain, and flash floods to South-East Queensland and the Northern Rivers of NSW. It is currently expected to cross the coast in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

The decisions are stark, but simple.

Firstly, whether to stay or flee. But if you decide to leave, make sure you do so in plenty of time - and be aware that if you haven’t left yet it may be too late.

If staying, ensure you have all your requirements - like food, water, and toilet paper - for at least three days, preferably a week. And ensure particularly you have at least a week’s worth of critical medicines and other vital supplies.

Next check fail-safes, what you’ll need when the electricity stops working. Battery-operated radio. Charged phones with spare batteries. Torch and matches. Replacement cold-room and a way to cook. A way to get critical messages out.

Finally, clean and prepare your house and create a safe room to wait the cyclone out. Remember to wait out the ‘eye’, where everything will go eerily quiet.

And good luck!

Disability provider Afford has reported how it has activated crisis management plans, secured homes, stocked supplies, and adjusted services to prioritise client and staff safety. Read more here.

And the NDIS has issued important information for NDIS providers in cyclone-affected areas

• Ensure outdoor furniture and loose items have been secured. 

• Stock up with extra food, medication, and supplies for at least a week. 

• Fuel stoves and BBQs are ready for use if the power goes out (but for outdoor use only). 

• Source a generator. 

• Ensure you have a full tank of petrol.

For emergency updates: 

• SES assistance – call 132 500 or visit: www.ses.qld.gov.au/ses-assistance 

• ABC Emergency Radio: www.abc.net.au/emergency 

• QLD Disaster Dashboards: www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/resources-translations/local-government-disaster-dashboards