Don't go outside in cyclone's eye

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Police are warning residents living in the Cairns disaster district not to venture outside during the eye of the storm following Tropical Cyclone Yasi.

The tropical cyclone has been upgraded to category 5 with the cyclone expected to cross the coast just south of the Cairns area around 11pm.

Residents are advised to remain inside even as the eye of the cyclone passes over the Cairns region.

Far Northern Queensland District Disaster Coordinator, Superintendent Brian Connors warned residents in the area not to venture outdoors to inspect the damage.

"The worst thing people can do is go outdoors and away from shelter during the 'calm period' that is experienced during the eye of the cyclone," Superintendent Connors said.

"For people who haven't experienced a cyclone, initially there will be dangerous weather and very destructive winds and on the crossing of the eye of the cyclone the weather becomes calm.

"It's at this stage that people can be tricked into thinking the event is over.

"The eye of the cyclone can last up to an hour or more and residents are advised to stay off the roads during the time and stay secure and away from damaging winds until the cyclone passes," he said

On current projections it may not be until midday tomorrow that the situation is safe enough for people to venture outside.

- WHITSUNDAY TIMES