BIG Cyclone due in North Queensland
 

Just in case anyone is not following the news - a very large cyclone is heading towards N Qld - a category 4 - winds upto 250kph, storm surge upto 4 metres, eye anything upto 160kms across, affected area expected to be at least 500kms across.

Its time to either bunker down in really secure accomodation or head South - below Bundaberg is likely to be out of the danger zone. Travel in the next few days will be very, very dangerous if you are in the hit zone.

Tourists are always advised to head out of cyclones as its hard for anyone to know if you are in trouble and you get missed by the emergency services.

Friends in the Soloman Islands are taking a hammering, cell phones have just failed.

Cyclone
 

Spot on Roger, I am here in Mackay and everything is closing up now, so it looks like a real big blow this time. I have lived here all my life and we have these every year, but this one is the Grand Daddy of em all.:helpsmilie:

Cheers
Paul

Our thoughts are with our Australian friends...

It's now category 5 on a scale of 5.

Take care if you're in the danger zone. Better still, get out if you can.

message me quickly if you happen to be stuck in the area and after a shed for your bike or a place to hold up for free. my parents live near mission beach. I'm currently in Brisbane awaiting departure to South America.

Updated information on the cyclone is at:

Cyclone Yasi - Emergency - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Bureau of Meteorology Cyclone Tracking Map

Live coverage: Cyclone Yasi 'more life threatening than any experienced in recent generations' | Latest news on the Queensland Floods | News.com.au


If you have had to change your plans and head south and need a place to stay for a few days PM us. We have a place in South East Queensland in Toowoomba (not flood damaged!! :-)

Just phoned my sister in Townsville to ask how she is coping with the cyclone, nothing major has happened yet, plenty of rain and gusts of wind. The main onslaught should be in about 8 hours. She is well prepared,my nephew who is house sitting for me is getting ready to sit out the storm in the laundry. The major worry is the storm surge, Townsvilles low lying areas have been evacuated. We do have a major army base in town so there should be plenty of help on hand.Best wishes and good luck to all.