Cyclone Larry Compared to Katrina

Ferocious Winds Lash Far North Queensland

Tropical cyclone Larry has struck far north Queensland south of Cairns. The cyclone has been compared in its destructive fury to the US hurricane Katrina which devastated New Orleans six months ago.

Residents have been evacuated from endangered areas as the Australian Bureau of Meteorology warned that the Category 4 cyclone could develop into a five, the most intense cyclone rating. See how tropical cyclones are rated.

• At 8am, Larry had worsened into a Category 5 cyclone with wind gusts up to 290km/h. It had crossed Queensland's far north coast near Innisfail.
  
  
• By 9am Cyclone Larry had reverted into Catgeory 4 after hitting Innisfail, which lies between Cairns and Townsville. Extensive destruction in Innisfail has been reported.
  
  
• Larry weakened into a Category 3 storm in the afternoon as it moved inland, and the extent of the havoc it caused was being assessed.
  
  
• Half the town of Innisfail was reported destroyed.

Beattie fears cyclone's power - The Daily Telegraph, Sydney
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