02-01-2011, 08:34 PM

As if the poor folks in the State of Queensland haven't had enough trouble with all the flooding, it looks like a Cat 5 Cyclone (Hurricane) may be heading their way.

02-01-2011, 08:42 PM

Their weather lately makes our little ice storm look like a walk in the park.

02-01-2011, 08:46 PM

Yes this cyclone is said to be as big as hurricane katrina. And has the potential to do as much damage if it hits a town.
Or for other Aussies, it's potentially another Cyclone Tracy.

And here in Australia we call them TC whatever. The TC = tropical cyclone.

02-01-2011, 09:12 PM

She'll be right. We'll bounce back up!

02-01-2011, 09:14 PM

Ugh, that's horrible. Thoughts are with you, our friends down under.

02-01-2011, 09:22 PM

Cyclone Yasi: Category Five Cyclone | Anna Bligh issues warning

Too late to leave: residents told to bunker down
Staff reporters
February 2, 2011

Cyclone Yasi to disrupt power, mobiles, food
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh says residents should prepare to live without many essential services as Cyclone Yasi bears down on Queensland.

Evacuation centres in Cairns are rapidly filling up as residents are told it is too late to flee the city ahead of Cyclone Yasi's arrival.

With wind speeds of 295km/h recorded, storm surges of up to 7 metres have been predicted to hit Cardwell, between Townsville and Cairns, as the cyclone's expected arrival at midnight combines with a high tide.

Regional Traffic Co-ordinator Inspector Robert Waters had told motorists their window to leave Cairns had effectively closed.

So it should hit the coast around midnight. In 12 hours from now.

02-01-2011, 09:59 PM

I spent 15 years working for FEMA (computer and electronic repair) and can remember going out on disaster deployments in the aftermath of a Hurricane. It's something you never forget. I especially remember Hurricane Andrew hitting southern Florida in 1992. When we got there it looked as if a nuclear bomb had been dropped on the area. That one caused 30 Billion US dollars worth of damage in 92. I had already left FEMA when Katrina hit New Orleans so never got around to getting a first hand look at the damage it caused.

02-02-2011, 01:37 AM

A quote from the same article I quoted above.

Earlier today, Cyclone Yasi was upgraded to a category five cyclone, surpassing the size and destructive intensity of cyclones Larry and Tracy.

02-02-2011, 01:40 AM

What Luck. I feel bad for you guys! Flooding, cyclones, what's next? Alien invasion?!

02-02-2011, 02:56 AM

I really hope that you all stay safe down there... Best wishes to everyone!!

02-02-2011, 07:34 AM

Originally Posted by ClockworkWorld

I really hope that you all stay safe down there... Best wishes to everyone!!

Same here. Hoping for the best.

02-02-2011, 07:42 AM

Stay safe all. Thankfully it seems Brisbane is too far away, and will most likely be spared any more major grief, though I suspect you'll catch the tail of it.
Hold on tight!

02-02-2011, 07:43 AM

I still stand by my post above, as this is the Aussie way
In saying that, these well wishes are warmly appreciated.

Once again, just as it was with the floods, seems like where I am living being so close, it is amazing that this will not impact me directly, but having friends right in the path at the moment, my thoughts are with them, and if I can, I'll be in the car ASAP to head up and either help once the roads are accessible, or have them come here by plane to share my spare room and living room while the need be.
Only have a queen bed in the spare room, and a blow up mattress, but I will buy some bunk beds if I need to accommodate more people.

As too with those I know, anyone here on MF in the area who needs a hand, or somewhere to stay through this, just say the word.

02-02-2011, 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by the8thark

Yes this cyclone is said to be as big as hurricane katrina. And has the potential to do as much damage if it hits a town.
Or for other Aussies, it's potentially another Cyclone Tracy.

And here in Australia we call them TC whatever. The TC = tropical cyclone.

So you guys have a lot of below sea level towns with poorly designed levy systems?

02-02-2011, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by Village Idiot

So you guys have a lot of below sea level towns with poorly designed levy systems?

Not really. About 20 cyclones form in Australian waters every summer season. And about 5 of those cross the coast each year. Most of them do no damage or little damage that the levys hold. But you can't predict then a monster comes. Like Katrina. No one could predict it years in advance so they could katrina proof the area. Same with this Cyclone. All the little ones don't affect us much. But when the odd monster comes it's hard you know.

[edit] Cyclone Yasi destruction revealed
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news...ectid=10703822