* Cyclone Charlotte hits Queensland
* Gale force winds, flooding expected
* Residents told to prepare emergency kits
© BOMCyclone Charlotte ... hitting the coast of North Queensland this morning
Tropical Cyclone
Charlotte has crossed the coast in far north Queensland, bringing heavy rain and damaging winds to the area.
The Bureau of Meteorology said
Charlotte made land at about 4am (AEST) near the mouth of the Gilbert River, 305km north-west of Georgetown.
The category one cyclone, Queensland's first of the season, is expected to continue moving east-southeast over land while weakening.
The bureau has warned that gales and damaging winds with gusts to 120 km/h may be experienced between Cape Keer-Weer and Burketown, and extend about 200km inland. Heavy rainfall and flooding are expected in the south-east Gulf country.
Acting Emergency Services Minister Andrew Fraser said that falls of up to 300mm were expected between Cardwell and Mossman.