queensland returns to the dark ages, page-18

CYCLONE YASI has been upgraded to a category five cyclone, surpassing the size and destructive intensity of the cyclones Larry and Tracy. It is expected to smash into the coast near Cairns tonight, with furious winds, torrential rain and floods adding to Queensland's massive damage bill from natural disasters this summer. The cyclone was upgraded overnight, meaning winds of up to around the 300km/h mark are expected.