Cyclone Debbie starts hitting Mackay region

Critical Alert Forecaster: 'Tropical air masses colliding with southerly air masses generally result in very heavy rainfall'

Critical Alert Tropical Cyclone Debbie has been downgraded to a Category 2 however authorities warn the system will continue to unleash very strong winds and torrential rain.

• 6

Weather CYCLONE Debbie has made landfall between Bowen and Airlie Beach, after smashing Hamilton Island.

News RESIDENTS in the firing line of Cyclone Debbie have been warned they face an agonising and hellish wait for the worst of the storm fury to pass.