Tropical cyclone upgraded to ‘severe’ as it approaches Australian coast

SYDNEY – A tropical cyclone off the coast of northern Australia was upgraded to the “severe” category three on Jan 25, hours before it was set to make landfall along the coastline bordering the Great Barrier Reef, the second such cyclone in the area since December. The Bureau of Meteorology said tropical cyclone Kirrily will cross the coast near the tourist town of Townsville on the night of Jan 25, bringing with it wind gusts of up to 165km per hour. Intense rain accompanying the cyclone may cause life-threatening flash flooding in the storm’s path and those within 100km of coastline north and south of Townsville should shelter in a safe place, the bureau said. Queensland Premier Steven Miles said…