Cyclone heads towards Australia

Cyclone adds to Australian concerns

A cyclone is racing towards Australia’s flood-ravaged north east region

A cyclone is racing towards Australia’s flood-ravaged north east, rattling nerves throughout a region that has already suffered billions of dollars worth of damage from a months-long crisis.

Cyclone Anthony has intensified to a Category Two storm with winds of 80mph.

It was expected to cross the Queensland state coast early on Monday morning.

The Bureau of Meteorology warned residents in coastal communities to brace for destructive winds and more flooding.

Heavy rains that began in November caused massive flooding across Australia, killing 35 people and damaging or destroying 30,000 homes and businesses.

Prime minister Julia Gillard called the storm a “big, cruel blow” to residents who have already dealt with months of flooding.