The cyclone is moving southwest along the coast but the “very destructive core” is expected to swing southeast

 
Australia is bracing to be hit by its most powerful storm in more than a decade.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Ilsa has intensified to a category four system with wind gusts of up to 275 km/hr.

The powerful storm system is intensifying off the coast of Western Australia and is expected to make landfall later Thursday or Friday morning local time.

It will be one of the most destructive storms to hit the country in more than a decade.

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology says Cyclone Ilsa is expected to hit Port Hedland first.

This is a major port hub for the export of iron ore, and Bidyadanga, the home of the state’s largest Aboriginal community.

The cyclone is moving southwest along the coast but the “very destructive core” is expected to swing southeast.