I'm in the back row about 30 km inland from Port, been through at least 6 cyclones in various North Aus places, Darwin, Cairns, Cape Trib a close pass by a cat 3 being the worst up in Darwin as a kid. People don't really understand the strength of these things even if you are not right under it, the winds can be insanely strong with gust's throwing things around like a toddler having a tantrum and the damage constant just 100 km winds can have on an older tin and wood structure over several hours or longer from different directions as the system passes over you. On top of all of that you get power gone, flooded roads, internet/phone coverage loss (we are on satellite) and often a lack of supply's to local supermarkets due to road closures. We live Rural with a cold room, three freezers, and three fridges and get flooded in on average 4-5 times a year for days or weeks at a time so are prepared for a bit of isolation on a regular basis through the wet season and have done for the last 30 yrs. We are well prepped with genny's, fuel, food, but in a very old structure that dates back to the 50's and look to be in the direct path for now so will be moving to a moderately modern one on the same property with a couple of shipping containers as a sort of last refuge if needs be. Looking at a crossing just on or north of Port Douglas for now with a strengthening system as it crosses the coast.
