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Monster Cyclone Slams Into Australia

Yasi expected to wreak havoc in Queensland

By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 2, 2011 9:58 AM CST

(Newser) – As the US weathers its latest snowpocalypse, Australia battened down the hatches for what Queensland's premier is calling "the most catastrophic storm to ever hit our coast." "The time for movement and evacuation has now passed," Premier Anna Bligh said as Cyclone Yasi roared into her state as a monster Category Five storm packing winds of up to 190mph. At least 90,000 people are without power, reports the BBC.

Residents who opted to stay were warned by rescue officials that they were on their own for at least 24 hours, and Bligh said the monster storm could pummel her state for up to three days. Tidal surges could hit 30 feet, which would flood much of the coast, and experts say Yasi could destroy even so-called "cyclone-proof" buildings. "We are in completely uncharted waters," said Bligh.

A woman walks along the waterfront in Cairns, Australia, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, as a monster cyclone approaches the northeast coast.
A woman walks along the waterfront in Cairns, Australia, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, as a monster cyclone approaches the northeast coast.   (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
This image provided by NASA shows Tropical Cyclone Yasi as it approaches Queensland, Australia, Wednesday Feb. 2, 2011.
This image provided by NASA shows Tropical Cyclone Yasi as it approaches Queensland, Australia, Wednesday Feb. 2, 2011.   (AP Photo/NASA - Jeff Schmaltz)
This image provided by NASA shows Tropical Cyclone Yasi as it continues on its path toward Queensland, Australia.
This image provided by NASA shows Tropical Cyclone Yasi as it continues on its path toward Queensland, Australia.   (AP Photo/NASA - Jeff Schmaltz)
People pack a shopping mall used as a evacuation shelter in Cairns, Australia, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, as a monster cyclone approaches.
People pack a shopping mall used as a evacuation shelter in Cairns, Australia, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, as a monster cyclone approaches.   (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
Chris Hinksman tapes a window to minimize flying glass at a friend's used car dealership in Cairns, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011.
Chris Hinksman tapes a window to minimize flying glass at a friend's used car dealership in Cairns, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011.   (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
Chris Hinksman tapes a window to minimize flying glass at a friend's used car dealership in Cairns, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011.
Chris Hinksman tapes a window to minimize flying glass at a friend's used car dealership in Cairns, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011.   (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
A police officer tells a photography shop owner that there is a mandatory evacuation and she must move to a safer area, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, as Cyclone Yasi bears down on northeastern Australia.
A police officer tells a photography shop owner that there is a mandatory evacuation and she must move to a safer area, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, as Cyclone Yasi bears down on northeastern Australia.   (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
A police officer, right, tells people on the street that there is a mandatory evacuation and they must move to a safer area in Cairns, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011.
A police officer, right, tells people on the street that there is a mandatory evacuation and they must move to a safer area in Cairns, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011.   (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
Guests at the Shangri-La hotel line up to gather in the ballroom in Cairns, Australia, Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011, as a monster cyclone approaches the northeast coast with furious winds, rains and surging seas.
Guests at the Shangri-La hotel line up to gather in the ballroom in Cairns, Australia, Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011, as a monster cyclone approaches the northeast coast with furious winds, rains and surging...   (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
Guests at a the Shangri-La hotel huddle in the ballroom in Cairns, Australia, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, as a monster cyclone approaches with furious winds, rains and surging seas.
Guests at a the Shangri-La hotel huddle in the ballroom in Cairns, Australia, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, as a monster cyclone approaches with furious winds, rains and surging seas.   (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
myflap.blow
Feb 2, 2011 3:39 PM CST
snowpocalypse hurricaneocalypse catastrophicstormocalypse fuckinalgorewasrightallalongandyouareallblindsheepohfuckinocalypse
Nxxxx
Feb 2, 2011 2:14 PM CST
The story I submitted on the User grid outlines the size of Yasi. If you realised how big this fucker is compared to most other Cat 5 hurricanes and cyclones, you may just stop for a second to think about what is happening to people in the region right now, as opposed to the usual armchair bleating about climate change.
hatchling1
Feb 2, 2011 10:36 AM CST
A huge majority of scientists concur that our planet is undergoing rapid climate change. These horrible cyclones and snow storms are evidence. Only ignorant and blind deniers can ignore the signs.... warming oceans, melting glaciers, increasing fury of storms.... Our planet is not going to know "normal" for a long, long time and by then, all will be different. Did the activity of humans cause the impending changes? Most scientists think we've accelerated the process, but I'm not reading absolute consensus. Can we do anything to stop it? Given human nature, I don't think so.

 
Australia • severe weather • cyclone • Australia floods • Cyclone Yasi

 
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