Australia braces itself for severe cyclone

Australia is bracing itself for the most severe tropical cyclone since 2011 which is expected to hit the north Queensland coast on Friday.

Tropical Cyclone Ita is likely to strengthen to a category four cyclone when it makes landfall on April 11, warns the Foreign Office.

Although the forecast track is away from populated areas, if it changes direction Cairns and other major tourist areas could be affected, the FO travel advice said.