TROPICAL Cyclone Jasper has intensified to a category 2 system, bringing with it strong winds and heavy rains.
Locals and tourists alike have been moved to safety.
The severe weather is producing damaging wind gusts on the far north Queensland coast, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
An emergency alert has been issued for Cairns wherein residents have been advised to take shelter in the strongest part of the building they are in.
Most businesses had closed and council officials were asked to take a day off on Wednesday.
Wealthy boat owners have fled to safety upriver while residents expressed fear that crocodiles could be washed up in the streets.
Evacuations have been ordered as the destructive cyclone is expected to cause
flash flooding and potential power outages that could last for up to five days.
