Debbie formed in the Coral Sea late last week and slammed into the Whitsunday Islands (just off Airlie, Queensland) Tuesday.

Wind gusts of up to 163 mph were recorded on Hamilton Island with a 10-minute sustained wind of 119 mph. The system was equivalent to a Category 4 when it made landfall.

An unofficial mainland wind gust of 153 mph was recorded at Airlie Beach.

A buoy located near Mackey reported a wave height of 30ft before being knocked offline.

Rainfall has been prolific with upwards of 30″ said to have fallen within just 24 hours at Clarke Range.

Wind and surge brought significant damage to the coast.

Tags: cyclone debbie