Australia braced for cyclone feared to be worst ever to hit region

A strong tropical cyclone was roaring towards flood-ravaged areas of Australia yesterday, sparking evacuations and warnings from officials it could be the worst the region has ever seen.

Cyclone Yasi has strengthened to a Category 3 storm with winds of up to 115mph. It is expected to hit Queensland on Wednesday or Thursday as a fierce Category 4 storm with winds up to 162mph.

The storm could dump up to 3ft of rain on some communities already saturated from months of flooding, Queensland premier Anna Bligh said.

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Yasi is expected to strike somewhere along the state's north coast, largely avoiding areas to the south – including Brisbane – that have suffered the worst of the recent flooding.

But Ms Bligh said the storm's path could change and residents up and down the coast have been urged to prepare.

"We couldn't rule out further flooding in areas that have already experienced significant flooding in the last few weeks," she said.

Yasi is expected to hit Queensland just days after another tropical storm struck the state. Cyclone Anthony hit the coast early this morning and quickly weakened from 80mph winds to a tropical low. The storm uprooted trees and knocked down power lines in some areas but spared communities any major damage.

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Speaking about Yasi, Ms Bligh added: "This is an event that we have to take seriously. It may well be one of the largest and most significant cyclones that we've ever had to deal with."

Queensland has already suffered months of flooding since heavy rains began in November. The floodwaters killed 35 people, damaged or destroyed 30,000 homes and businesses and left Brisbane, the country's third largest city and the state capital, under water for days.

The federal government has estimated the cost of the damage is already at 3.5bn and likely to rise.

Hamilton Island, a popular tourist destination off Queensland, began evacuating some visitors today ahead of Yasi's arrival, and other islands were considering doing the same, Ms Bligh said.

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Some nursing homes along the coast were also evacuating residents and officials urged people living in low-lying areas to consider leaving their homes until the storm has passed.

Deputy police commissioner Ian Stewart said residents should be prepared with torches, food and water.

"We ask people to take whatever action is necessary to protect themselves and their loved ones," Mr Stewart said.

He added: "This is a very, very serious threat to the safety of our coastline and the safety of our community."

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