Cyclone Debbie moves towards Queensland coast

A cyclone carrying winds of up to 250km/h has battered Australian holiday islands as it moves towards the Queensland coast.

Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated in preparation for Cyclone Debbie, a Category Four storm.

Its destructive eye has already hit the Whitsunday islands and is expected to reach the mainland.

Authorities said it would be the area's worst storm since Cyclone Yasi in 2011.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull earlier urged residents to "leave home immediately", adding that people should seek shelter "on higher ground".

The Australian Weather Office said the storm was still gathering strength, despite slowing its progress during the night.