Floods? Meh! Gimme something scarier

[danny_galaga]

like maybe the biggest cyclone in Australias recorded history  

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

This is hitting the northern part of Queensland now. Queensland was already devastated by floods a few weeks ago, now this. Just to think, I moved to this state to get AWAY from freaky weather!

[danny_galaga]

An interesting comparison of the size of the cyclone compared to different continents around the world

http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/floodrelief/how-cyclone-yasi-compares-around-the-world/story-fn7ik2te-1225998762870

The eye is up to 50 km in diameter, and the cyclone about 600 km in diameter. Winds up to 300 km/h  

I had just turned five when a cyclone ripped through my town. This is a really interesting account by a survivor of that cyclone. I feel a little emotional reading it, having been there. This is what people north of me are going to be going through tonight  

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/yasi/8205294/yasi-stirs-terrrifying-memories-of-tracy

[Vanguard]

That's not a cyclone.   That's a hurricane that's spinning backwards.

[ErikRuud]

This is hitting the northern part of Queensland now. Queensland was already devastated by floods a few weeks ago, now this. Just to think, I moved to this state to get AWAY from freaky weather!

Well then, it must be you.  For the sake of all your fellow Aussie's, you must move to the most remote pacific island you can find.  ASAP! 

[cdbrown]

I'm still amazed that there's not been a single death from this cyclone.

Meanwhile in sleepy backwards Perth our damns are nearly dry and it's not going to get any water any time soon.

[danny_galaga]

It's been a bit of a fizzler, which is a good thing. This thing is so powerful, it's Travelled 900 km inland and still categorised as a week cyclone! In contrast, the one that hit my home town, Darwin pretty much disappeared as soon as it finished tearing the city apart...

The two things are related. After cyclone Tracy in 1975, building regulations became much more stringent, so that now a cyclone like Yasi causes less damage.

The economy won't remain unscathed though (even the global one to a lesser degree). Coal prices are set to go even higher, globally. Silver and lead too. And probably sugar to a lesser extent. In australia, bananas will go through the roof.

Now if only Yasi could remain a category 1, and make it's way over to your dams, cdbrown 

[DaOld Man]

Ive been watching on the news. Feel for you guys down under.
I know you have been hit by a lot lately.

[lilshawn]

I'm not one for making fun of other peoples predicaments, but I did laugh.

[cdbrown]

I'm still amazed that there's not been a single death from this cyclone.

Seems I spoke too soon. 
http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/floodrelief/long-road-to-recovery-lies-ahead-for-communities-after-cyclone-yasi/story-fn7ik2te-1226000157594
Remember kids - exhaust from gensets aren't good for you - put them outside or in some other well ventilated space away from where you're bunkering down.

[cdbrown]

And now Perth has multiple fires to kick off a wonderful start to the year for the country.  So for 41 houses destroyed and 19 damaged with more to come as the fires are currently out of control.

[danny_galaga]

Yep, you want nature, we gots it aplenty!

[cdbrown]

Come to Australia and swim with sharks and crocs through beautiful Queensland.  Or head west and throw another shrimp on the burning house.