Strong winds and driving rain began buffeting north-east Australia today as one of the country's biggest storms arrived.
Officials have issued dire warnings of potential devastation for cities and towns dotted along a stretch of coast more than 190 miles long in north Queensland state as Cyclone Yasi bore down on the area.
In Innisfail, a town about 55 miles south of Cairns that is nearly in the direct path of the storm, mayor Bill Shannon said he saw the roof torn off a building near the local government building where some 500 people are sheltering.
The cyclone follows the worst floods in the state's history, triggered by tropical storms which have battered the region since the end of November.
Have you or anyone you know been affected by the Australian storm? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk
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