People seeking refuge from the effects of Tropical Cyclone Yasi have been turned away at the entrance to jammed evacuation shelters as the monster storm bears down on north Queensland. Authorities have recorded wind speeds of 295km/h and warned that storm surges of up to 7 metres could hit Cardwell, between Townsville and Cairns, as the cyclone’s expected arrival at 11pm tonight combines with a high tide. The life-threatening system is forecast to cross the coast between Innisfail and Cardwell, with furious winds, torrential rain and floods adding to Queensland’s massive damage bill from natural disasters this summer. Cairns residents were told around lunch time that all seven of the city’s cyclone shelters were full and people should stay where they were and batten down. “Some areas are already experiencing strong wind gusts up to 125km/h which will increase throughout the afternoon and evening,” Cairns Regional Council said in a statement. (Sydney Morning Herald)Wednesday 2 February 2011
Residents turned away from packed shelters
People seeking refuge from the effects of Tropical Cyclone Yasi have been turned away at the entrance to jammed evacuation shelters as the monster storm bears down on north Queensland. Authorities have recorded wind speeds of 295km/h and warned that storm surges of up to 7 metres could hit Cardwell, between Townsville and Cairns, as the cyclone’s expected arrival at 11pm tonight combines with a high tide. The life-threatening system is forecast to cross the coast between Innisfail and Cardwell, with furious winds, torrential rain and floods adding to Queensland’s massive damage bill from natural disasters this summer. Cairns residents were told around lunch time that all seven of the city’s cyclone shelters were full and people should stay where they were and batten down. “Some areas are already experiencing strong wind gusts up to 125km/h which will increase throughout the afternoon and evening,” Cairns Regional Council said in a statement. (Sydney Morning Herald)