Stormy weather hits Queensland, Australia
Liam Dutton
Weather Presenter
A tropical low pressure system has brought stormy weather to Queensland, Australia, during Tuesday, with reports of a tornado in the city of Townsville.
Around 60 homes and businesses were damaged by the suspected tornado which slammed into the city’s western suburbs early on Tuesday morning.
13 people were injured, as damaging winds uprooted trees, ripped roofs off homes and downed power lines, leaving street strewn with debris.
Queensland State Premier Anna Bligh visited the city and was shocked by the devastation. She said that parts of Townsville had been declared a “disaster area”.
Local residents said that there were flashes of lightning shortly before everything came crashing down around their ears.
In light of the devastation, the Australian Defence Force has been brought in to help the city with its clear up operation.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology said that wind gusts of 69mph were recorded at Townsville airport early on Tuesday.
Severe weather warnings are still in force for Queensland into Wednesday, with up to 200mm of rain possible in some places, giving a significant risk of flash flooding.
Damaging gusts of wind of up to 60mph are also expected, with the possibility of further disruption.