Residents in far north Queensland are being told to brace for a fierce and destructive storm twice the strength of last year ’ s Cyclone Ita . Cyclone Nathan is forecast to strike Cooktown and Hope Valeat 4am on Friday morning as a category four system with winds of up to 260km/h . But the Bureau of Metrology has warned the storm could well increase into a maximum-strength category five before it hits , ppsing a grave threat to residents in the firing line of the storm , reports ABC . Reparations at Cooktown waterfront , where category four system Cyclone Nathan is expected to strike early on Friday morning . Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczu warned residents should prepare for the worst . 'Tonight will be a frightening event for many families . I express on behalf of all Queenslanders that our thoughts and prayers are with all those families , ’ she said . The storm is expected to be more severe than Cyclone Ita , which saw roofs torn from houses and huge trees pulled from the ground in April 2014 . Cyclone Nathan is expected to stick around for hours , and could even remain a category two cyclone by 2pm on Friday . 72 police , over 50 SES personnel 9pictured ) and more than 400 Ergon Energy workers are on hand to offer assistance . Residents of Cooktown and Hope Vale were urged to make preparations by nightfall , stocking up on sandbags and water . 72 police , over 50 SES personnel and more than 400 Ergon Energy workers are on hand to offer assistance . 'We are preparing for the worst , but we are prepared , ' Palaszczu said on Thursday . Residents have been urged to stay home , as long as their house was built after 1985 . Those living in homes predating this time are advised to seek shelter in cyclone shelters . Residents of Cooktown and Hope Vale were urged to make preparations by nightfall , stocking up on sandbags and water .
Cyclone Nathan is forecast to strike Cooktown and Hope Vale on Friday . The storm is expected to be a category four system with 260Annastacia Palaszczu winds . 72 police , 50 SES staff and more than 400 Energy workers are on hand . Residents have been urged to stay home or inside cyclone shelters .