TC Yasi

[AdrianF]

All you people in the north be careful and safe during this new threat.

Adrian

[jjjnettie]

I honestly can't comprehend the size of that storm.
Take care and stay safe.

[astroron]

Stay Safe you people up there , we are thinking of you.

[Ric]

I heard on the news that it's now rated as a category 4.

Take care up there

[CraigS]

What do you folk up there do when something like this is approaching ?
(Just wondering).

I think I'd be taking advantage of a big hole in the ground somewhere !
.. or spending some accumulated holiday time, somewhere down south !

Take care.

Cheers

[erick]

Stay safe! :help: Tie those scopes down! :sadeyes:

And one day you'll be telling your grandchildren where you were and what happened when the "Big One" hit! :)

[jjjnettie]

Talking from experience, the usual thing is to fill your esky with beer and your cupboards and fridge with food.
Then call your mates and organise a Cyclone party.

I've heard stories of people building cyclone shelters in their houses, using cartons of beer as building blocks.

One hopes that sense will prevail in this instance.

[Shawn]

This is going to fun, Its another Larry.... #@$%

right in the firing line here I'm afraid...

[gary]

If the "girl-child" that is La Niña were given a name this year, it may well end
up being "Yasi".

The sheer size of the cyclone on the current satellite images together with
the Bureau warnings are sobering.
Satellite loop - http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/satellite/sequadrant.shtml
Projected track - http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDQ65002.shtml
Advice - http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQP0005.txt

We wish those in the path good luck and hope that your preparations are going smoothly.
Checklist - http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/about/checklist.shtml
I am sure many of us wish we could be there to lend a hand.

[gary]

The projected track does not look for Ravenshoe. Good luck!

[astroron]

Hi Shawn Mate, I hope all things go well with you, my thoughts go out to you, please stay safe :thumbsup:
Cheers

[renormalised]

The reason why the track has been modified is that the storm has traveled a bit further west than they thought it would before it turns in. It's still expected to turn SW as there is an upper level ridge moving in from the west. That'll push the anticyclone (high pressure system) at the upper levels above the storm to the south and hence the storm will turn in that direction. I've heard some people say Townsville may have dodged a bullet. In no way, shape or form has that happened. Everywhere from Cairns, south to at least Mackay had better watch out as this storm is so large you could still be 400kms or more from the centre of the storm and still get hammered.

[Baddad]

Hi All,
I lived up there years ago. Cyclone parties used to be the go.
Sometimes no one turned up.

This Yasi Storm worries me. I have never seen one as big as this one.
It means that its intensity is wider from the centre. It moves slowly and therefore over any given point in its path will be subjected to gale force winds and rain for a much longer period.

Many Nth Qlders would not get out of bed for a medium cat 2 cyclone. Yasi will be worrying everyone all night or all day long.

Cat 2 = trees blow down, old roofing lifts off.
Cat 3 = Damage to houses, trees. Take cover
Cat 4 = Can often take the house.

Get into shelter, take your astro gear & radio with you. Its going to be a long scary ride. I hope it starts dissipating before it hits, becuase this will cause a lot of damage.

Cheers

[renormalised]

Actually, Cyclone Justin in '98 was physically a larger storm (about 25% larger) but nowhere near as intense.

I only hope it doesn't intensify to TC Mahina's (1899, Bathurst Bay) strength. That had a 13-15 metre storm surge and sustained 325km/hr winds. It's the most powerful storm ever recorded in living memory along the east coast.

That's why they call Cat 5 "Wrath of God".

[jjjnettie]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahina_Cyclone_of_1899

Just for some perspective, here's some info on Cyclone Tip, the biggest cyclone ever recorded.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhoon_Tip

[Baddad]

Hi Carl,
Yes you are correct. How I am rating Yasi is:

Justin reached Cat 4 but it was only a cat 2 at landfall. Its destructive power was concentrated to around 50 - 80 Kms from the eye wall.

With Yasi the destructive winds are 3-4 times that distance. The further from the eye wall the lower the wind speed. However within the 50-80klms from the eye wall Yasi will take houses. Justin did not have that power.

That un named cyclone of 1899 was very powerful. I know very little about it and Yasi is shaping up to rival it. Becuase a powerful cyclone hit in 1899 there was not the population nor the number of buidings that there are today. Therefore it hardly rates as a very destructive cyclone.
Although its power is greater than most recorded.

If it struck today; I would not like to think about it.

Cheers

[renormalised]

Justin also hung around for ages....3.5 weeks if I remember correctly.

Mahina killed around 400 people.

[renormalised]

Here...just to gauge the size of this storm, see the piccie. Each one of those grid squares is 120 miles across (2 degrees).

Typhoon Tip in 1979 was around 1380 miles across (2200kms)...this storm is nearly as large!!!.

[gary]

Hi Carl,

Thanks for the satellite image of Yasi.

There will be some of us that look at that image and think it must be
of the Pinwheel Galaxy, M101!

See http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap030310.html

[renormalised]

Yep, but this "galaxy" has a "10billion solar mass BH" in its centre.

[gary]

Plus being a Northern Hemisphere galaxy, it rotates in the reverse direction. :whistle:

[gaa_ian]

Hi Folks
I have just left Cairns for the NT but I am flying back home tomorrow morning.
I am concerned for my family and home, I have been through many Cyclones in the far north, but i have to say this one has me concerned for my family and friends.
I can not recall a cyclone this has been this big in extent.

[renormalised]

Ian, you're not going to be able to fly back in tomorrow unless you take a red-eye flight as they're stopping all flights into cities from Townsville north as of tomorrow. The only flights in or out will most likely be evac flights.

You maybe lucky to get a flight, though.

The outlow in the upper level anticyclone above the storm will be just as bad as the sea level winds, any plane flying to the area is going to have a pretty rough flight!!!.

[Liz]

Just home from work to prepare a bit more, and get things up off the ground etc. Have astronomy gear GALORE all over the floor, so that is my main worry. Look after those 1000 EPs. ;)
Supposed to be days off now, but, ya right Carl, am needed at the hospital, so will head in tomorrow before it gets too windy, and there I will stay until its all over...... trapped :sadeyes:
So, I will be fine and safe, and hopefully the house too, as the storm surge threat has decreased. Though, as Carl says, it could still travel a bit further south.
Oh well, have some champagne to help me sleep tonight. :D
Hope all our Cairns people and Shawn will be Ok. :thumbsup:

[gregbradley]

That storm looks very similar to the way Hurricane Katrina did, perhaps a bit smaller. Looking at it today on the satellite photo it is almost the size of Queensland. Katrina was about over half the size of the Gulf of Mexico.

Greg.

[renormalised]

Yasi is bigger than Katrina....the Gulf is a lot smaller than the Coral Sea and Yasi covers a great majority of it. Not as intense as Katrina....yet.

[renormalised]

They expect at least a 4 metre surge, but that'll be on top of a 1.8m high tide at around the same time. The surge could go as high as 7 or so metres.

I knew you'd be kept back at the hospital...you're going to have a few busy days. They're evacuating Cairns hospital now. Some of the patients will definitely come here...unless.

[renormalised]

Well that's official....Mt Isa is now on cyclone watch. It's 1000km inland from Townsville. Just shows you the size and power of this storm.

[Suzy]

A very worrying and stressful time for anyone within the vicinity of this horrendously scary cyclone. My thoughts are with you all for your safety, your homes and loved ones. Please take care. Enough is enough with all this extreme weather in Queensland.:sadeyes:. Please stay strong.

[ballaratdragons]

My thoughts too Suzy.

Reading about how big this could be, and knowing so many members up that way I am starting to get a bit scared for some of you.

Extreme weather is an exciting event, but not at the cost of people or their homes.

I will be thinking of you all up that way over the next few days.
And if you can, get away.

[astroron]

This would have to be the most frightening cyclone in Queensland since I have been living here:jawdrop:
It is supposed to cross the coast about midnight tomorrow night:help:
I hope you all stay well up there.
Cheers

[renormalised]

Just looking up some older cyclones....TC Olivia, over in WA back in '96 holds the highest ever recorded wind gust outside of a tornado, 408km/hr (253mph). That was at the airport on Barrow Is. The swell in the cyclone reached 69 feet (21 metres).

Cyclone Hilda, off the east coast in the mid 80's, reached a height of 62,000 feet and the temp at the tops of the clouds reached -152F (-102C)...the coldest cloud top temps ever recorded.

[[1ponders]]

Hit Cat 5 this morning.
http://www.goes.noaa.gov/sohemi/sohemiloops/shirgmscol.html

http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDQ65002.shtml

[Barrykgerdes]

This one looks pretty big compared to some I have seen in Cairns over the years. The biggest I experienced was in Maryborough around 1970.

I have been in Cairns for three "minor" cyclones where we "batterned down the hatches" but they ended up as not much more than rain squalls. Lots of rain and flooding but no damage. Fitzroy Island and Cape Grafton tend to have a moderating effect on Cairns City, but the damage in the open areas north and south was quite severe.

Barry

[[1ponders]]

The Bom are saying that it is the most life threatening in recent generations. I know alot of people in the north are fairly blase at times about cyclones, but I have a bad feeling about this one. I hope my folks decide to get the hell out of there today and not stay and ride it out.

[shelltree]

Hasn't Queensland gone through enough? My thoughts are with everyone in the path of Yasi, please stay safe, don't take chances just get out and keep well!

All the best to you all, the next 24 hours is going to be very hard for a lot of people.

[CraigS]

Here's the current radar loop image (http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR413.loop.shtml) for Willis Island (off the coast of Cairns).
Exfso (Peter) posted this yesterday.

Looks like the eye (about 50 kms across) is going to go straight over the top of it. If I'm reading the image correctly, windspeed is 107km/hr (but this is not ground windspeed, as I understand it).

1.5m rainfall since 9:00am ?

Nasty.

Cheers

[snas]

Hang on tight everyone up north. We're thinking of you and we'll be there to help after.
Stuart

[casstony]

Watching the news last night my 11yo asks "why don't we get any exciting storms down here". After an explanation of wind speed, force generated and damage done we assured her we are very happy withh our relatively boring weather.

Hope everyone stays safe up there.

In other news: my mother and sister can't get home as a bushfire has closed the highway near Orbost; the town is filling with buses, trucks and holiday makers heading back toward the city - refuge centres opened. It's all happening.

[[1ponders]]

current warning has wind gusts near the center at 295km/h . Max 10 min wind speeds 215 km/h :( not good

[acropolite]

I hope everything turns out OK, thinking of you all, keep safe.

[mangrovedutch]

Well said Stuart, and I totally agree. I don't believe there is a single person on this forum who wouldn't help in some way. Get out if you can, and if anyone needs a place to stay for a while, let us know. I don't have the biggest place, but I have enough room to help a few, and I can always hire a removable hut if needed (I have 2.5 Acres, plenty of room for some Adco huts)

Regards, Dutch

[Liz]

Wow, that is 1 angry eye.
think I am nearly done - everything I can manage off the floor, and stowed away in the back bedroom.
All Ok at the moment, few breezes and showers.

[cybereye]

Has any part of Queensland been spared this summer?? Take care up north and as has been mentioned by many others, our thoughts are with you.

Take care,
Mario

[astroron]

Hi Liz, I hope you come out of this OK and you are safe up at the hospital
Look forward to hearing you are safe when this is all over:thumbsup:
Cheers

[jjjnettie]

Willis Island is about to enter the eye of the storm.
It's smack dab right in the centre of the path.

Between Cape Tribulation and Ingham these winds will become DESTRUCTIVE with
gusts in excess of 125km/hr during the afternoon and early evening and VERY
DESTRUCTIVE with gusts up to 300 km/hr between Cairns and Ingham during the
evening as the cyclone approaches and crosses the coast.

I had friends at Cape Trib, who lived at "Camelot", where the community cyclone bunker is situated. It's only a couple of hundred meters from the water front. I hope no one shelters there this time, it's so low there, the whole structure will go under with the storm surge.

So much to worry about.

[CraigS]

Willis Island last readings were at 7:30am EST (that's 2 hrs ago):

Wind Speed: 122 km/hr
Gust: 158 km/hr
Rain: I don't understand this reading 18.0 mm since 9:00am ??? - doesn't make sense).


Looks like it was climbing at 10 km/hr every 10 mins, so add 120 km/hr to what it was (122 km/hr) and it comes to 242 km/hr at the moment ! (Same with the gusts .. so should be gusts up to about 278 km/hr ! .. which confirms Phil's number of about 295 km/hr.)

Cheers

[Davros]

Well the news just said that Willis Is. radar got wiped of the map when Yasi crossed it. :sadeyes::sadeyes::sadeyes::sadeyes ::sadeyes: so they have lost that feed and measurements.

[CraigS]

Wow, Mick;

Is that right ??

Geeze …

… looks like the last readings were recorded at 9:00am windspeed was 'CALM, 0 km/hr' …. which would correspond with the eye readings .. :question:

Man, whatever .. the wind speed at 8:10 was 141km/hr with gusts 185km/hr.

Seriously nasty !

Cheers

[Davros]

From memory they said the last readings they got form Willis were in excess of 200kph then the feed went dead.

[Shawn]

Thank you all , Ive spent the last 24 hours flat out securing all that important to me, I expect loss of communication fairly soon.. I wouldn't want to be in Cairns... Take care anyone else in the firing line... till after S

[gary]

Hi Shawn,

Once again, on behalf of all of us, good luck!

As Anna Bligh briefed a short while ago, very large areas will be without power and communications
for quite a while.

We look forward to hearing from you when communications get re-established.

P.S.

Take a few minutes out to go down your checklist one more time.
Please be sure to have already filled enough bottles with fresh drinking water to last a few days.

[mangrovedutch]

Willis Island Radar just gave up the ghost. I'm a little worried for you guys up there. My thoughts are up for you all.

Dutch

[erick]

Would have been "interesting" to see the wind data as the eye passed right over Willis - but I think those readings mean the anemometer is now way out to sea! Still recording pressure - might be bottoming out around 938 hPa. Edit - yep, coming back up now - 940.2hPa

[jjjnettie]

Police are reporting that some contenders for the Darwin Awards are heading up to Mission Beach to catch some waves.

[renormalised]

That's because the eye is now over 100km past the island...the latest has shown the storm is still intensifying.

[gaa_ian]

Well, I am stuck in Gove.
My flight to Cairns this morning was cancelled at 6pm last night.
I have talked to my family and extended family in Cairns & they are all as prepared as you can be for an event of this magnitude.
It is very frustrating sitting here and not being able to assist them.
The earliest I will be able to get out is Friday morning, to be part of the cleanup.
I may lose everything in this & I just hope and pray that my family are all safe.

[wavelandscott]

Hang in there. It is hard just waiting.

[ballaratdragons]

Too late to evacuate as of 9 minutes ago.
The Mid-day cut-off time has come and gone so everyone that has stayed has to barracade themselves in and ride it out.
Last wind reading was 295kph before the measuring equipment was destroyed by the wind!

[Suzy]

Ian, the worry you must be going through! :sadeyes:
Time for me to go and say some prayers. Along with others, I am deeply concerned and full of worry.

The weather channel, have announced the following emergency assistance information...

TC Yasi Emergency Advice: DISASTER.QLD.GOV.AU

Queensland Police Evacuation line: 1300 993 191

Road Closures: 1300 130 595

[ballaratdragons]

The Weather Channel and SkyNews are both 100% devoted to the Cyclone.
If you want any info go to either one.

Plus the usual ABC radio.

[Suzy]

Just quoting the weather channel (thank goodness for live pause as I furiously typed away) ...

"The most dangerous cyclone in Queensland's history."

"There is a high tide expected at 9pm tonight and if the cyclone co-insides with the high tide there is an even greater risk of storm surge which is expected to inundate low lying areas and extend further inland."

"It's expected to hit between Cairns & Ingham at around midnight tonight. That of course includes the Innisfail area. A cyclone warning is in place at the moment for coastal and island communities from Cape Melville down to Sarina, extending inland to Croydon & Richmond. With a cyclone warning watch current for the remaining inland parts west of the Northern Territory border and north of Winton. It is a fairly large area, and that's because Yasi is expected to maintain its tropical cyclone intensity for at least 12 to 24 hours after it makes landfall. It's going to bring an extraordinary amount of rain not only to the Qld coastline, but around two thirds of the country as it tracks further inland. So anywhere near the eye of the cyclone and south of the cyclone could see up to 400mm of rain in just around 12 hours. But you'll notice the Northern Territory, South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales all seeing very heavy rain over the next few days and this is because Yasi will be weakening as it tracks inland but deliverying very very heavy rain to other parts of the country. Not only this, we are expecting very destructive winds. In fact this why it's been classified as a category 5 system. Wind gusts to 300km/ph are expected to develop between around Cairns & Ingham as this system approaches early this evening. And what this means is widespread destruction, structures, crop damage, will all be destroyed as a result of this tropical cyclone and its very destructive winds. Now not only are they destructive but they are also expected to be loud and the Premier urges people to prepare for this type of noise."

[Davros]

Now theyre warning up to 12 meter waves in the storm surge!!

[CraigS]

Just keeping an eye on Flinders Reef readings. They haven't been updated since 12:30. Wind SSE 102 km/hr gusts 128km/hr pressure 985.6.

I'd say this is the next station to get hammered (if it hasn't already been).

Cheers

[erick]

It's not getting some people too depressed:-

http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/201102/r711499_5566864.jpg

Hoping everyone comes through safely.

[Exfso]

Willis Island met station was designed to handle a Cat 5 Cyclone, and apparently it has been destroyed, so the mind boggles what sort of conditions they had there.:eyepop:

[ballaratdragons]

Can somebody please tell Premier Anna Bligh to stop calling it 'Cyclone Yahtzee' on TV :mad2: :screwy:

It makes her sound stupid.
A minor thing but it really does sound ridiculous.

[erick]

And has been significantly restored, rebuilt and added to since 2005, it would seem.

[ballaratdragons]

Here are the maps and scales of Yasi compared to the size of USA, Asia, and Europe.
http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/floodrelief/how-cyclone-yasi-compares-around-the-world/story-fn7ik2te-1225998762870

[CraigS]

Looks like Flinders Reef station may be surviving (?)

Wind seems to have peaked at there 130 km/hr with gusts 159 km/hr.

(Looks like the eye is a bit over 100km or so, the north west of it).

Cheers

[Omaroo]

East around to south - live webcams stationed in Mareeba, just up a little from Innisfail:

http://www.gorgecreekorchards.com.au/

[gaa_ian]

This puts it in perspective to our previous experience in Australia:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/infographics/cyclone-season-2010-2011/comparison.htm
Cyclone Tracy was small by compararison.

[renormalised]

Still here....but not for much longer. Looks like the journo's got it wrong, again. That size for Yasi is way, way too small. They should've swapped it over with that one for Katrina, which is what I think it should be.

[CraigS]

Carl;

Looks like Innisfail is in the direct firing line. The eye hasn't drifted south (of its forecasted trajectory) much today.

Cheers

[renormalised]

Innisfail will cop the really bad core of the storm, but the eye will pass over around Tully.

[astroron]

Thanks for that Suzy:thanx:
Your training in a former life came in handy;):thumbsup:
Cheers

[Shawn]

heres a view... scares me...http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR192.loop.shtml

[[1ponders]]

My folk were moved from Tully Heads this morning. There are some very worried people in the township

[Shawn]

I would be worried in Tully too Paul, it looks like its got Ravenshoe in its sights... cant see much star gazing happening in the near future...

[astroron]

Hi Paul, I hope your Folks are safe and their property doesn't sustain to much damage :thumbsup:

[[1ponders]]

the house should be right Ron, its built for it, but the storm surge is a worry. Plenty of ply and sandbagging done though

You take care up there Shawn, don't take any chances.

[Liz]

Whooaaaa .. very scary up here, am so glad I am safe in the hospital. It is crazy outside!!!!!!! Trees down everywhere!!!! Chaotic, and will get worse. Gunna try and get some sleep, chat tomorrow. :D

[ballaratdragons]

Good Luck Liz!

Yes, get sleep, coz you may not get some for a few days with all the injuries coming in.

Be careful. Rest well.

[h0ughy]

looks like the eye is heading south to Bingle Bay?

[jjjnettie]

I don't know how you're going to get any sleep liz
You're in our thoughts. take care

[christofunk]

Weatherzone forums crashed.

Hoping everyone keeps safe...winds just really starting to pick up now in ingham.

[gaa_ian]

My immediate family is bunkered down in Cairns just waiting for the peak winds now, I am trusting they are safe.
Cairns has escaped the high winds so far, but the high mountians around cairns can deflect winds in unexpected ways around Cairns/Innisfail.
Only the light of day tomorrow will reveal the extent of the damage. I continue to hope for minimal property damage to my family homes in Cairns.

[mithrandir]

Brisbane Stormchasers. (http://realtime2.bsch.au.com/ir_sat.html?region=aus&loop=yes&images=6&allday=&start=&stop=#nav) Images from Japan's polar orbiting satellites.

Not too many of you at once. They don't have BoM's unlimited CPUs to run the web site.

[[1ponders]]

http://www.goes.noaa.gov/sohemi/sohemiloops/shirgmscol.html

Tully looks like ground zero again

[gaa_ian]

Hey Paul, I know how you are feeling.
My Ex, My Partner & Kids and all the inlaws are in Cairns.
All set up as safe as they can be, think I should get some sleep myself !

[Phoenix]

Not sure if this has been posted before, interesting information on skippysky that shows existing and predicted path of TC Yasi. Choose either “windspeed 10m” or “middle clouds” then animate through the 3 hourly forecasts by clicking on +6 then +9 and so on...
http://www.skippysky.com.au/Australia/


Cheers
Steve

[astroron]

Hi Ian, I hope your family stays safe and well:thumbsup:
and you can get some sleep as it is going to be a stressful time.
cheers

[Phoenix]

re: skippysky - choosing "pressure", then flicking through the 3 hourly animation also shows a telling story.
http://www.skippysky.com.au/Australia/

[gary]

Looks like Bingal Bay, Mission Beach, Dunk Island and Tully have drawn
the short straw of having the eye about to pass over them first.

[erick]

That is quite amazing - a "black hole" over FNQ

[Jen]

Live coverage on Sky News wow it looks windy out there :eyepop: this storm is huge :help: I hope everyone stays safe xoxoxoxo

[ballaratdragons]

Yep, watching it. :eyepop:

[erick]

Cairns radar. Look how well defined the eye is as it passes over Bingil Bay and Dunk Island.

[Shawn]

Passed just to the south of me, still blowing dogs off chains, but easing...daylight will reveal the damage done... off to get some much needed sleep...

[gaa_ian]

It would seem that Cairns has been spared as I awake this morning. Still to talk with family there but I think they should be fine. Cant say the same for Tully, Mission Beach & Cardwell. Hearing the reports now of demolished homes and terrified residents from ABC internet Radio.

[[1ponders]]

Spoke to mum this morning. They are safe and sound. Apparently there was a lucky escape in Tully. Sometime late yesterday it was decided to evacuate one of the shelters and move everyone to another shelter. This morning the first shelter is gone. There are some very lucky people in Tully this morning

[h0ughy]

that was a sound move

[CometGuy]

Hi Paul,

What a relief!

Was listening to ABC and the reporter there was out looking at stars while the eye was over Tully :eyepop:

Terry

[[1ponders]]

Yes it is a relief.

At least someone in Qld got to do some astronomy last night ;lol;

[CraigS]

Paul;
I'm really glad to hear your folks are Ok and survived the relocation exercise.

Ian: Cairns seems to have escaped the worst and your family should be OK .. let us know when you find out ..?.

Hope Shawn is coping Ok ? Perhaps still sleeping ??? … although I don't know how !!

Sounds like Liz saw it all first hand from the hospital.

Carl seems to have managed to leave in time.

Best wishes to everyone else up there .. my thoughts are with you all.

Cheers

[gaa_ian]

I see at least a 2m tidal surge in Cardwell from the BOM recorder.
I am so thankful my family is safe in Cairns, dont know about property damage until my partner can get back to our house at Smithfield.
Her report from Edmonton on Cairns southside, is of tree and awning damage only.

[CraigS]

Looks like the power situation's not so good ..

… more than 170,000 without power currently, 71,000 in Townsville alone.
… could take weeks to restore …

Cheers

[multiweb]

Watching the news this morning was somehow a relief to hear there hasn't been any reported loss of lives after last night build up and warnings. The pictures are just starting to come in from Tully and surrounding areas. Man did it level some of the places. :eyepop: Hope everyone's alright and keep safe still. :thumbsup: Floodings are on their way in some coastal areas according to the officials. Even north townsville.

[CraigS]

Marc !

How did you, your family and your house fare ?

Cheers

[Shawn]

Well that was rough, anyone in down in Tully , mission, Cardwell, Innesfail, My thoughts are with them, It was bad enough here, and I thought I had seen it all... running on genny , no power of course no phone, but wireless still working, cellphone is problematical...too busy I guess...

Ive read good news in this thread , with a few members that are close or have family here.. Its heartwarming...

S

[CraigS]

Well done Shawn !!

You're a legend, mate !

They're saying no fatalities from it all which is great news !

Hope your power & water supplies keep up !

Good onya.

Cheers & Rgds

[Shawn]

thanks all .. I dont know if you guys get the same local news as I do, so if you have questions, ask... Ill leave the forum online...and check in occasionally..

S

[gary]

Hi Shawn,

The eye passed very close to Ravenshoe so great to hear you have managed to
pop out the other side.

Some of the pictures we are seeing here show banana crops absolutely flattened
so the livelihoods of many farmers in the region looks as if it will be seriously
disrupted this season.

By the way, is it pronounced "Ravens hoe" or "Raven shoe"?

Best Regards

Gary

[gary]

In the midst of the calamity that has occurred last night with Tropical Cyclone
Yasi, which is dominating the news here at the moment, it was sad to
read the story of Corporal Richard Edward Atkinson, a young digger who was killed yesterday
by an explosion from an IED whilst going about his duties in Oruzgan province in
Afghanistan.

One of his colleagues has also been seriously injured in the blast.
Story here -
http://www.smh.com.au/world/killed-before-he-could-wed-young-australian-digger-blown-up-in-afghanistan-20110203-1aefh.html

I know many forum members will take a moment to pause and reflect.

[erick]

I wonder if this is going to be the first time in our records that a cyclone has passed over Mt Isa?

[ballaratdragons]

According to SkyNews and the Weather Channel, Yes.
First time a cyclone has gone this far inland already.
Normally they are a Tropical Depression by now.

[multiweb]

Mate I'm in Hinchinbrook NSW not Hinchinbrook Island. Thank god! Just watching the news like everybody else. Would be too scared living up there. :scared:

[Shawn]

Ravens hoe Gary... a lot of folk mis-pronounce it, dont worry about that LOL. just woke and it was nice to get some sleep, spent 24 hours preparing and no sleep last night, or very little. I might move I think..LOL. No Stars here for the most part, cyclones aside...:lol:

[CraigS]

Doh !!

:lol::lol: :rofl: :rofl:

Cheers

[supernova1965]

The remanants of TC Yasi to cause flooding in Victoria weather forcasters predict:shrug::screwy:

[ballaratdragons]

Yep, that's the subject of most conversations down here. :rolleyes:

[CometGuy]

I find this image very iconic in showing the sheer power of this cyclone.

http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/201102/r712655_5588580.jpg


Terry

[ballaratdragons]

WHOAH! :eyepop:

[[1ponders]]

far out

[h0ughy]

are there boat panel beaters

[jjjnettie]

amazing imagery

[danielsun]

Shawn, Liz and Carl and everyone else up there, hope you guys all got through it O.K and with minimal or no damage.
Ian, Glad to hear your family is all ok and minimal damage. My brother and his two kids live in Trinity bay, right on the water though he is out at sea in W.A so the kids have gone for shelter at a friends place in Smithfield.
I am waiting to hear back from them of how their house held up.



Wow!! Amazing pics!!

[gbeal]

As one of the many cuzzies across the ditch, I have been thinking and hoping all will work out OK, but have been too scared to ask. By the looks of the news filtering out, it seems nobody lost their life, but many, many have lost their possessions or property. Lives have been turned upside down.
Not much else can be said, it is a cruel world sometimes.
Keep well.
Gary

[supernova1965]

Has anyone heard from Liz she hasn't posted since Wednesday, 09:43 PM

hope all is well

[jjjnettie]

Liz is fine. She spent the duration at the Hospital.
She's been on FB. I hate to think what has happened to her house though.
Hope the Astro gear came through ok. : (

Liz Gleeson: survived the night OK, my car has got a big tree down, just behind it!! No power across Townsville, lucky we are on generaters, so able to have my toast and coffee. Pics later today when/if I get home.

[Liz]

hello all!!! At work so quickly on to say yep, am fine. Spent the night at the hospital, so not too scary. Finally home yday, wow!! Front yard demolished, was a 9 metre storm surge yday and sea came within 1 metre of home, but sand and water through the front half of house, a mess, but house is fine, and scopes were fine in the back bedroom!!
No power for a few more days yet, bugger, lots to do at home to clean up.
Will post some pics when power at home.
Townsville must have lost 3/4 of its trees, but not too much damage. North to Tully and Mission Beach is a bit of a mess, which you can see on the telly.
No time to read anything else on IIS so hopefully no comets have gone naked eye, I wont be impressed!! Ha, laughed this am, as many trees gone, and no power across town, skies dark, but bloody clouds. ;)
Gotto go, be back in a few days. :D

[jjjnettie]

I'm still waiting to hear from friends in Innisfail.
Last report from them was late Wednesday afternoon, and they were umming and ahhing whether to evacuate or not.
I'm quite cranky with them actually (in a caring way). Leaving it that late to decide.
They moved up there to help with the rebuild after Larry, they of all people should know what to expect.

[CraigS]

Hey Liz;

Sounds like a 'close escape' story for your house !

Within 1 m from it, eh ? Phew ..!! .. that's close !

I hope your not waiting for power for too long.

Glad you survived and you're Ok.
:)
(You're a legend, too ! Good onya !)
:)
Cheers

[erick]

Is there a bright side? All those trees that were blocking views of the sky, now gone? :)

(Neighbour's house that was blocking views of the sky, now gone :sadeyes: )

[Paddy]

Great to hear that you're safe Liz and that your house hasn't suffered too much. It must have been very frightening. Reassuring to be at a hospital or other sturdy place with conditions like that. All the best for the clean up.

[Ric]

Great to hear your safe Liz and that your house is ok.

Cheers

[CometGuy]

Great news Liz, must have been a pretty scary night in Townsville when the cyclone crossed the coast.

Remarkeably the ex-cyclone is still showing distinct structure and rotation as it passes just south of Alice Springs, see the radar:

http://radar.strikeone.net.au/?fuseaction=loops.main&radar=252&numberofImages=0&dateStart=1296826200&dateFinish=1296887400

Terry

[gary]

Hi Liz,

Was wondering how you got on and so thanks for the update.

[[1ponders]]

Yes to both for my folks. They are around 250m from the beach with a forest and a row of their friends houses between them and the beach at TH. Now they have ocean views. They along with so many people in Tully Heads are very traumatized atm. Mum was in tears talking today on the phone, so upset over how many people have lost everything. Very sad. :(

[h0ughy]

not good to hear Paul. I hope that they are safe and well? Are they now been getting help to cleanup?

[[1ponders]]

Mum and Dad are Dave. They are some of the lucky ones. Dad built the house so it would withstand a nuclear blast. They had a bit of tin lift and a bit of the storm surge in but hardly any damage to the house itself. Others weren't so lucky.

I think today is the first day outsiders have been able to get in along the roads. M&D and some friends convoyed through forest and cane paddocks to get back in a couple of days ago. I heard that they might even be getting some power today or tomorrow.

[h0ughy]

the sense of loss must be horrific looking around them, and i hope that the town mends itself soon. you going up there to help anytime soon?

[[1ponders]]

No Dave. I asked if they needed a hand, but they said there were enough people to get the job done. I think atm for them all its more that they just want to be with their friends and grieve. For the rest of the community most of the cleanup will be with a bull dozer. :(

[gaa_ian]

Hi Paul
I saw the heartbreaking images from Tully heads this morning, I have been moved to tears several times.
Writing Poetry is how I make sense of the world, and I have published this little tribute in poetry on my blog
http://www.ianmacleanrecommends.com/?page_id=12
If it just gives a few people hope in their darkest hour it was worth writing.

[Liz]

Glad to hear they are OK Paul, I was wondering how they got on, but hadnt been able to access IIS. Lots of troubles up that way by the looks.

All Ok at my place .... gradually getting the sand out :D ... no power which is a bugger, but could be worse. Have to do catchup over the next 2 nights on IIS, and see whats happened. ;)

[Suzy]

Cyclone Yasi in photos. Incredibly shots. :scared2:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/events/cyclone-yasi/gallery.htm

[Liz]

Just about make you cry. :sadeyes: How would it be to lose what those people have lost, cannot even imagine.

My pics seem a bit pathetic now.

1 - tree just missed my car 2 - storm surge prevented me from getting home next morning
3 - view from my veranda 4 - sea waves came very close to house
5 - view from the front 6 - am still trying to get sand off my front veranda
7 - still able to enjoy a wine at end of the day 8 - sunrise this am

[CraigS]

Wow Liz;
Looks like a lucky escape for your home !
That was a close one !

That last shot of the sunrise is an absolute stunner !!

Cheers & Rgds

[Suzy]

Liz, any devastation is upsetting - no matter the scale. Whether it be a house completed flattened, or destruction on a property (as with yours). Every picture carries emotion and pulls at our heart strings. No matter if it's a house flattened, destruction (like on your property), or a little boy looking outside his house at some fallen trees on the road. Every picture tells a story. Yours is without exception.;)

I can't believe how close the beach now sits near your house and how close that water came! How lucky are you to have a house so close to the beach, my gosh, what a view :eyepop:. I would be drinking so much wine on that deck that I wouldn't know what I'd be saying nor doing half the time :rolleyes: - and I'd have loads of averted imagination :lol:. I'd have obs reports coming out of my ears I would. :whistle:

And I don't know about you but when I used to drink wine in glasses the size of that, hubby would always say it was two glasses, :screwy: and I would argue it was one :lol:.

Many thanks for sharing those pics with us. I have been anxiously waiting for them as we worried so much for you and your house. So much work to be done on your property, if I was closer I would have given you a hand and helped you finish off that wine before having a catnap on that glorious verandah of yours. ;).

[iceman]

Amazing pics, what an experience.

Glad you're safe!

[mangrovedutch]

What a beautiful sunrise capture that is. I am amazed by that great Ozzie spirit. To see the utter devastation, the complete anhilation of peoples houses, belongings, memories and future incomes, was and is enough to bring anyone down to their knees with utter dispair, yet I see people smiling whilst they are walking around in what was once their castle, their homes. Truely amazing. I am proud to be a part of this great life in Australia. I am a Dutchman by heritage (the first 12 years of my life), but to see and be part of this great spirit of being an Australian is indeed a priviledge. To be able to see the community around you devastated and still wake up in the morning and see a wonderful display like that sunrise capture, to thoughroughly enjoy what mother nature offers up and share it, brings a lump to my throat. JUST BLOODY AMAZING

In awe, Dutch

[Suzy]

Dutch, what an incredible post :scared2: . I think I even stopped breathing while I was reading your response! :face:

[Jen]

:eyepop: wow Liz thanks for posting the pics :thumbsup:
and i'd drink to that last pic too :D:thumbsup:

[Liz]

:sad:

We live in a great country that for sure Dutch, everyone helping each other, but looking onwards and enjoying what we can.

Yes, Suzy and Jen, much wine has been drunk on that veranda. :whistle::cheers:

Cheers Mike and Craig. :)

[gaa_ian]

Its Almost a year on from Yasi & its interesting that TC Yasi was one one of the top 10 most popular topics in 2011 on IIS. I will be at Mission beach this weekend doing an Astonomy Market Stall, so I look forward to meeting up with some old friends and see how the people of Mission Beach are getting on 1 year later.

[gregbradley]

I saved some of the satellite images of Yasi.

Here's one:

[renormalised]

A satellite image is the only way you can appreciate just how massive that storm was, and I can tell you now you really appreciate just how much energy it unleashed by having experienced it. I shudder to think how much damage that would've done if it had hit Townsville full on. As it was being 220km from where it actually crossed and still getting gusts upto 190kmh was bad enough!!!.