Cyclone Yasi Threatens a Devastating Hit on Queensland

The Intersection
By Chris Mooney
Feb 2, 2011 5:12 AMNov 20, 2019 4:07 AM

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

To the right is a NASA Earth Observatory picture of the storm (click for the very large version). And here are the words the Australian Bureau of Meteorology just issued as it approaches Queensland:

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.

Well that is the way not to mince words. Yasi is currently a Category 5 on the Australian scale, but a Cat 4 on the scale we're more familiar with. Either way, it is a very deadly storm.

1 free article left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

1 free articleSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

More From Discover
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2025 LabX Media Group