Far North Queensland residents say Tropical Cyclone Narelle has left a trail of damage across Cape York.

Authorities have issued a terrifying cyclone warning video ahead of a category 5 system bearing down the country’s north, simulating the possible extent of the damage.

A combination of king tides, cyclone storm surges has swallowed infrastructure and large chunks of the Cairns shoreline in what one councillor described as destruction “worse than Jasper”.

A powerful cyclone is approaching Far North Queensland, with authorities warning some communities to brace for a direct and dangerous impact. Tropical Cyclone Narelle is expected