Cyclone Narelle LIVE updates: Warnings issued for Queensland coastline as storm intensifies to category 5

1.06pm

All schools in cyclone’s warning zone set to close on Friday

By Catherine Strohfeldt

Just under 800 students have remained at home while communities near Coen brace for the arrival of Cyclone Narelle.

Premier David Crisafulli confirmed eight state schools had shuttered doors today, and said some schools could be used as shelters if needed as the storm crossed Cape York.

“The remaining schools in the warning zone will be closed from tomorrow,” he said.

The premier previously said up to 22 schools were in the cyclone’s impact zone.