Tropical cyclone Yasi hits Australia

Tropical Cyclone Yasi has been described as the “most catastrophic storm ever seen” and has been given a category 5 rating – reserved for the most violent and dangerous storms.

Strong gales with wind speeds of up to 300 km/h spread out across 650 km from the center of the storm, known as the eye. The most destructive weather pulled roofs off houses and felled electricity poles. Taking into account the far edges of Yasi’s reach, the cyclone spanned 2,000km – almost as wide as Asia.

A tropical cyclone, also known as a hurricane or a typhoon, develops when large amounts of warm and moist air are drawn into a developing wind. This gives the storm the power to grow into a strong and dangerous cyclone. There is the potential that as sea temperatures rise, cyclones like Yasi may become more frequent.

Watch Weather Systems to find out more about Tropical storms and cyclones.