Live blog: Tropical Cyclone Yasi - Wed 2nd Feb

Keep up to date with the latest breaking news from Tropical Cyclone Yasi as it hits the coastline. Far north Queensland cities are preparing for the biggest cyclone in living memory.

- This page will be updated throughout the day. Hit refresh to update. Follow Nova 106.9 on twitter for more information.

• - Bureau of Meteorology: Current Yasi track projections
• - Local info and coverage at cairns.com.au
• - Twitter hashtag #TCYasi
• - Register as evacuee at Red Cross 
• - Evacuation and information hotline 1300 993 191
• - Live stream of cyclone from Cairns
• - Live stream of cyclone from Townsville

 

Live blog

 

Please head over to the live blog page for Thursday the 3rd of February.

---- 11:57 PM ----

The major evacuation centre in Cairns has lost power just over an hour ago, plunging 2500 evacuees holed up in the Stockland Shopping Centre in Earlville in to darkness.

---- 11:37 PM ----

Reports of roofs coming off on The Strand in Townsville are emerging.

---- 11:09 PM ----

VIDEO: 10:30pm TC Yasi briefing with Anna Bligh and Deputy Police Commissioner Ian Stewart

[videolink]109665[/videolink]

"We are waiting anxiously with you ... we hope that you can feel our thoughts. We hope to see you safe and well tomorrow morning." - Anna Bligh

---- 10:52 PM ----

VIDEO: Carl Butcher, aka @cycloneupdate, live on CNN.

[videolink]109664[/videolink]

---- 10:45 PM ----

Notes from Anna Bligh's media conference:

• - Yasi will take three or four hours to cross the coast. This is the early stages.
• - More than 89,000 homes without power, including Townsville CBD.
• - Wave buoy near Townsville erroneously measured 18 wave due to waves breaking over it.
• - Yasi storm surge is just starting to build.
• - Six people in their 60s at Hinchinbrook in a storm surge area made the call for evacuation. They have been given telephone support.

 

---- 10:19 PM ----

VIDEO: 9:30pm TC Yasi briefing with Anna Bligh and Deputy Police Commissioner Ian Stewart

[videolink]109663[/videolink]

"These are not conditions where you can put up a helicopter to do a winch rescue. All of that is now beyond the realm of possibility." - Anna Bligh

---- 9:46 PM ----

Notes from Anna Bligh's media conference:

• - Yasi is slowing: winds could affect areas for longer, but it will also mean lower storm surges.
• - 9.5 m wave measured off Townsville. Significant flooding in low lying areas.
• - 61 000 homes without power.
• - Emergency services having a few calls.
• - Person at Innisfail called police asking to evacuate. Emergency workers cannot respond, other than give advice on sheltering.

 

@Domi_bear: Txt from Mum in FNQLD: Wind's getting noisy w/ lightning & rain. Power's off but have generator. No rattly windows yet. We are OK! - via Twitter

---- 9:01 PM ----

VIDEO: 8:30pm TC Yasi briefing with Anna Bligh and Deputy Police Commissioner Ian Stewart

[videolink]109660[/videolink]

---- 8:54 PM ----

Notes from Anna Bligh's media conference:

• - Yasi's destructive core spans 150kms, five times wider than Larry. The roughest weather is about to hit.
• - Highest tides ever recorded at Townsville, including waves of 6.6 m
• - There could be a second storm surge peaking at high tide tomorrow morning, another reason not to go out to early.
• - Significant power outages alrerady reported. If inland power lines e taken down, could lead to catastrophic failure of grid.
• - Yasi could live on for two or three days, right through to Mt Isa. Inland centers should prepare.
• - People facing four or five hours of 300km winds in the dark, with no communication.
• - We must all brace for what we potentially are going to find tomorrow.
• - If transmission towers are taken down on inland spine, impact could be wide reaching.

---- 8:03 PM ----

INCREDIBLE: Cairns resident Carl Butcher has vowed to take a stand against the storm and will be updating his rapidly growing twitter feed, @cycloneupdate, for as long as the storm permits.

He has set up a make-shift shelter within his living room and will continue to tweet through the storm until telecommunications go down.

The amateur weather observer has prepared for power outages with a backup generator.

---- 8:00 PM ----

Reports that at least one roof has been torn off are beginning to surface. Trees have been torn down and lights are flickering in the Innisfail region.

"This is a cyclone of savagery and intensity ... people are facing some really dreadful hours in front of them." - Prime Minister Julia Gillard

---- 7:51 PM ----

Live streams still operational:

[videolink]109643[/videolink]

[videolink]109642[/videolink]

---- 7:12 PM ----

VIDEO: The perimeter of Yasi hits Bowen

[videolink]109653[/videolink]

 

---- 7:06 PM ----

SEVERE TROPICAL CYCLONE YASI IS A LARGE AND VERY POWERFUL TROPICAL CYCLONE AND POSES AN EXTREMELY SERIOUS THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY WITHIN THE WARNING AREA. 

THE VERY DESTRUCTIVE CORE OF CYCLONE YASI WILL CROSS THE COAST NEAR INNISFAIL CLOSE TO MIDNIGHT, ACCOMPANIED BY A DANGEROUS STORM TIDE SOUTH OF THE CYCLONE CENTRE.

(Bureau of Meteorology)

@MirandaKerr: Hi guys, our hearts go out to everyone in Australia as they prepare for Cyclone Yasi to hit the Qld coast. Our prayers are with you. Lv Rand. - via Twitter

---- 6:42 PM ----

Reactions from the evacuee centers:

"There are so many of us here. Surely they have to do something, find somewhere safer to move us to before it arrives" - Selwyn Hughes (evacuee) via Reuters

"It's making it very difficult. We're disappointed we can't take any more people in, but I've been through in there and it's just not safe" - John Bosnjak (acting police inspector) via Reuters

---- 6:30 PM ----

Between 200mm and 300mm of rain is expected to bucket down on north Queensland tonight, causing widespread flooding.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of fast river level rises and localised flash flooding in rivers and streams between Townsville and Sarina, and Townsville and Cooktown, as well the Balonne, Connors, Isaac and Gulf rivers.

---- 6:02 PM ----

Ergon Energy advises that thre will be no 'blanket' disconnection of power at 7pm in cyclone affected areas. They will disconnect power only in areas at risk of flooding and are monitoring conditions. Cyclonic conditions may also bring down powerlines and damage other infrastructure. Crews are on standby to inspect the damage and begin repairs when the danger passes.

---- 5:43 PM ----

The effects of Tropical Cyclone Yasi are starting to show in Townsville, with increasing wave heights.

---- 5:12 PM ----

Cyclone Yasi has slowed slightly as it heads toward the north Queensland coast, with the weather bureau now predicting it will now hit land about 11 PM (AEST). 

---- 4:33 PM ----

With winds reaching destructive levels people should be sheltering in place at this time. 

It is now time for all movement and evacuation to cease. It is too dangerous to travel in the current conditions. People should now focus on preparing the most secure room in their house where they can stay for the duration of the cyclone. 

(Queensland Police Services)

---- 4:12 PM ----

VIDEO: 2:00pm TC Yasi briefing with Anna Bligh and Deputy Police Commissioner Ian Stewart

[videolink]109650[/videolink]

 

@TimGrau: Here it comes! http://yfrog.com/h5yfxomj #TCYasi - via Twitter

---- 3:05 PM ----

Photo: Yasi from space satelite. Provides more perspective of the shear scale of the cyclone.

[photolink]254328[/photolink]

---- 2:46 PM ----

Photo: Size comparison of Cyclone Yasi hitting USA, UK and Australia.

[photolink]254327[/photolink]

---- 2:28 PM ----

From the Bureau of Meteorology

SEVERE TROPICAL CYCLONE YASI IS A LARGE AND VERY POWERFUL TROPICAL CYCLONE AND POSES AN EXTREMELY SERIOUS THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY WITHIN THE WARNING AREA, ESPECIALLY BETWEEN CAIRNS AND TOWNSVILLE.

DURING THE EVENING, THE VERY DESTRUCTIVE CORE OF CYCLONE YASI WILL CROSS THE COAST BETWEEN CAIRNS AND INGHAM, ACCOMPANIED BY A DANGEROUS STORM TIDE SOUTH OF THE CYCLONE CENTRE.

---- 2:12 PM ----

Messages from Queensland Police Services:

• - It is now time for evacuation to stop. Shelter in place. More than 10000 people in shelters.
• - Take Mattrresses, raincoats and good shoes into your shelter room.
• - Chutting internal doors boltsers structure of house.

 

---- 2:10 PM ----

Live video stream from Cairns. The wind is picking up.

---- 1:48 PM ----

Live video stream from Townsville's CBD. The sky is darkening and the clouds are looking ominous.

---- 1:40 PM ----

Another evacuation centre has been opened in the Cairns region. All seven other centres in the region are full and closed. Park College on McLaughlin Road in Bentley Park has been opened for last minute evacuations.

---- 1:14 PM ----

Queensland Police Services: Please be advised not to call Triple Zero (000) unless it is a life threatening emergency. For information about evacuations and other information please look at our Cyclone info tab on our Facebook page or contact your local council.

@cycloneupdate: Rain has just started in Cairns, coming in sideways. Big gusts at the moment. #TCYasi - via Twitter

---- 12:51 PM ----

Queensland Police Services: Authorities advise those in the Cairns Disaster District are currently advising residents in the Cairns disaster district that evacuations have ceased and residents are now being advised to SHELTER IN PLACE. Residents are advised to take precautions where they are and remain inside.

---- 12:47 PM ----

VIDEO: 11:30am TC Yasi briefing with Anna Bligh and Deputy Police Commissioner Ian Stewart

[videolink]109638[/videolink]

---- 12:36 PM ----

Wind gusts at the centre of Yasi currently measured at 295km/h.

Cyclonic winds expected to reach up to 300km/h and may rip off roofs.

People in their homes are urged to take shelter in the smallest, strongest room in the house, such as the bathroom.

---- 12:07 PM ----

Cairns and Townsville airports have been confirmed as closed.

Authorities warn it is now too late for motorists fleeing to drive south of Cairns and Townsville on the highway. Winds strengthening to dangerous speeds.

---- 11:55 AM ----

Nearly all the evacuation centres in Cairns are full. Five of the seven are at capacity. According to Mayor Val Schier an eighth may be opened later in the day. Only the Redlynch and Trinity Beach evacuation centres are still taking people.

---- 11:50 AM ----

Key points from the media conference:

• - Yasi is still expected to make landfall at about 10pm.
• - Emergency workers will respond while it is safe to do so.
• - Townsville storm surge will be 3 metres. Listen to evac orders, and get to safety if at risk.
• - Cardwell storm surge 6.5 to 7 metres above normal highest tide. Find shelter NOW.
• - Window to relocate is rapidly closing. By 12 noon, winds will be dangerously destructive.
• - Nearly 10,000 people in shelters so far. Unless you are in a storm surge area, you are safer in your home.
• - Cairns and Townsville airports now closed.
• - Willis Island monitoring station destroyed.
• - Yasi will still be a cat 3 at Georgetown tomorrow. Western centers should be prepared.
• - Dangerous swell expected all the way down to Sunshine Coast. don't be foolish
• - Last cat 5 to hit Qld was in 1918.
• - Yasi on track to cross between Innisfail and Cardwell this evening. 'extremely serious threat'

 

---- 11:11 AM ----

Queensland Police Services: Live media conference on Yasi is scheduled to begin at 11:30am. Click here to view

"We are facing a storm of catastrophic proportions in a highly populated area. You've heard all of the statistics and what it all adds up to is a very, very frightening time for people and their families." - Anna Bligh

---- 10:47 AM ----

Photo: Cyclone Tracy compared with Cyclone Yasi

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---- 10:37 AM ----

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST SEVERE WEATHER WARNING FOR DANGEROUS SURF

Large and dangerous North Easterly swells generated by severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi are extending into coastal areas south of the Cyclone Warning area (south of Sarina) to the Sunshine Coast. Dangerous surf conditions are expected near the coast from Sarina to the Sunshine Coast for the remainder of today and early Thursday.

---- 10:31 AM ----

The categorisation of Cyclones. Tropical Cyclone Yasi is category five.

Category	Wind Gusts	Ocean Swells	Damage
1	Up to 125km/hr (Gales)	1.2 - 1.6m	Slight damage. Trees and farmland damaged.
2	126 - 169km/hr (Destructive)	1.7 - 2.5m	Significant Damage. Minor house damage. Severe damage to signs and trees. Heavy damage to crops
3	170 - 224km/hr (Very Destructive)	2.6 - 3.7m	Structural damage. House roofs and most likely power failures
4	225 - 279km/hr (Very Destructive)	3.8 - 5.4m	Significant roofing and structural damage. Airborne debris, widespread power failure
5	Winds above 280km/hr (Very Destructive)	More than 5.5m	Almost total destruction and extremely dangerous. Houses flattened, cars over turned

 

---- 9:52 AM ----

VIDEO: 9:00am TC Yasi briefing with Anna Bligh and Deputy Police Commissioner Ian Stewart

[videolink]109620[/videolink]

"I cannot say in strong enough terms, you have to take this window of opportunity (to evacuate)... don't bother to pack bags." - Anna Bligh

---- 9:33 AM ----

During the livestream, Deputy Police Commissioner Ian Stewart urged people to prepare themselves and their neighbours as it will take around 24 hours for the conditions to return to normal.

"The roofs of the houses may lift off." - Ian Stewart (Deputy Police Commissioner)

---- 9:10 AM ----

Yasi has vanished from all bureau weather radars in NQLD because Willis Island station isn't responding.

---- 9:05 AM ----

Anna Bligh stressed that people must evacuate now. The window of opportunity to evacuate will only be open for the next three hours.

Electricity may be lost as far south as Mackay. Up to 220,000 houses may lose power.

Tropical Cyclone Yasi is now a category 5, and will coincide with the high tide, increasing storm surge risk.

---- 8:48 AM ----

Bureau staff have been evacuated from Willis Island, off the coast of Queensland, as wind gusts reach 140km/h. The tiny island is in the direct path of the cyclone and is home to a Bureau of Meteorology weather station.

---- 8:40 AM ----

Queensland Police Services: Live media conference on Yasi is scheduled to begin at 9:00am. Click here to view

"We look to what happened with Cyclone Tracy where people ended up under mattresses in bathrooms and that may be the situation here..." - Cairns Mayor Val Schier (ABC TV)

---- 8:22 AM ----

Cyclonic winds more than 280km/h will start from mid-morning and will intensify about 8pm or 9pm.

---- 8:20 AM ----

Around 15,000 people have been ordered to leave almost 4,000 homes across Townsville.

"Frankly, I don't think Australia has ever seen a storm of this size, this intensity in an area as popular as this stretch of our coast." - Anna Bligh

---- 8:08 AM ----

At 7:00 am EST Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi, Category 5 was estimated to be 555 kilometres east of Cairns and 560 kilometres northeast of Townsville moving west southwest at 30 kilometres per hour.

(Bureau of Meteorology)

---- 8:06 AM ----

Coastal residents within the warning area, and particularly between Cairns and Ayr are specifically warned of an EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SEA LEVEL RISE [i.e. storm tide] as the cyclone approaches, crosses the coast and moves inland.

The sea is likely to steadily rise up to a level which will be VERY DANGEROUSLY above the normal tide, with EXTREMELY DAMAGING WAVES, STRONG CURRENTS and FLOODING of low-lying areas extending some way inland.

(Bureau of Meteorology)

---- 8:05 AM ----

SEVERE TC YASI IS A LARGE AND VERY POWERFUL TROPICAL CYCLONE AND POSES AN EXTREMELY SERIOUS THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY WITHIN THE WARNING AREA, ESPECIALLY BETWEEN CAIRNS AND TOWNSVILLE.

THIS IMPACT IS LIKELY TO BE MORE LIFE THREATENING THAN ANY EXPERIENCED DURING RECENT GENERATIONS.

(Bureau of Meteorology)

---- 8:04 AM ----

People about the remaining tropical interior east of Camooweal and north of Winton should consider what action they will need to take if the cyclone threat increases.

---- 7:53 AM ----

Latest advice from Queensland Police Services is that it will be unsafe to be outside after midday today from Douglas to Townsville.

---- 7:46 AM ----

Live North Queensland traffic cameras

---- 7:43 AM ----

VIDEO: Great explanation of Tropical Cyclone Yasi

---- 7:36 AM ----

Anna Bligh says the tidal storm surge will be the most devastating threat to life.

Because the Cyclone is expected to hit land at high tide, the surge is expected to have similar characteristics to a tsunami; "it will not be slowly rising water".

---- 7:34 AM ----

Yasi's size and power is expected to dwarf Cyclone Tracy, which hit Darwin in 1974, killing 71 people.

---- 7:27 AM ----

Yasi is expected to hit the coast between Cairns and Innisfail at about 10pm AEST tonight with winds of up to 295 kilometres per hour near the core.

---- 7:18 AM ----

Download maps and emergency resources

---- 7:09 AM ----

Track the progress of the Cyclone

---- 7:00 AM ----

Tropical Cyclone Yasi has been upgraded to a Category Five Cyclone. Experts at the Bureau of Meteorology believe its impact is now ''likely to be more life-threatening than any experienced during recent generations''.