Cyclone Builds in Strength as It Zeros in Toward Queensland Coast

It is believed to be the strongest cyclone to hit the region since Cyclone Althea devastated north Queensland in 1971.

Cyclone Niran could intensify over the following two days. Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Lingering for days, Tropical Cyclone Kirrily has taken just hours to become one of the most powerful systems witnessed in north Queensland in decades.

Destructive winds up to 170km/h and “life-threatening” flash flooding are set to impact the region after Kirrily suddenly intensified.