Tropical Cyclone Strengthens as It Bears Down on Queensland Coast

‘At this stage the highest risk of a cyclone impact is in the region north of Mackay.’

A resident uses a kayak to paddle past a house, partially submerged under floodwaters caused by Cyclone Debbie, to rescue a stranded cow on his property in Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, Australia, on April 1, 2017. Patrick Hamilton /AFP via Getty Images

An “unusual” tropical cyclone may threaten the Queensland coast by early next week.

A region in the state’s north has been identified as the area most at risk of impact after Tropical Cyclone Jasper strengthened to a severe category three system on Wednesday.