Schools shut for Cyclone Debbie

Almost 400 schools and child care centres in far north Queensland are closed as Cyclone Debbie lashes the region.

The state government announced on Tuesday that 131 state schools have shut their doors ahead of the arrival of the severe category four storm, which is expected to cross the coast south of Bowen about midday (AEST).

Meanwhile, 49 Catholic and independent schools are also closed, along with 211 early childhood centres from north of Townsville to south of Proserpine.