Australia cyclone upgrade to top threat level

[Goodspeed]

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/world-news/4461-...op-threat-level

 

Cyclone Yasi is seen approaching the coast of Australia, in this weather satellite image, courtesy of the Japan Meteorological Agency, taken 2300 GMT on February 1, 2011. Thousands of residents fled their homes and crammed into shelters in northeastern Australia as the cyclone described as the most powerful in the country's history and with a 650 km (400 mile) wide front barreled toward the coastline on Wednesday. REUTERS

 

CAIRNS, Australia, Feb 2, 2011 (AFP) - A terrifying cyclone roaring towards Australia strengthened to the most dangerous threat level Wednesday, as officials warned it could be the deadliest storm in generations.

As the winds that heralded Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi's arrival began battering hundreds of kilometres (miles) of Queensland coast, officials told residents it was now too late to escape the monster storm.