Thousands evacuated as powerful cyclone hits Australia

Tens of thousands of people in north-eastern Australia have been forced to evacuate and take shelter in official centres after a two huge storms - dubbed a 'cyclone sandwich' - descended on the coastline.

Cyclone Marcia - thought to be among the most powerful cyclones on record for the country - touched down in Queensland overnight, bringing winds of up to 177mph (285kph) and cutting off rail links and ports.

Up to 700 people have taken cover in one shelter in Yeppoon alone, while others were told to find the safest place possible as it was too late to flee.

Sand bags have been handed out to those stranded in their homes to protect from massive tidal surges, while the sugar industry warned that more than 10 per cent of Australia's valuable sugar crop is at risk from Marcia.

It comes after Cyclone Lam made land in the Northern Territory earlier today, causing power cuts, uprooting trees and damaging buildings.

Weather experts predicted the worst of the winds should ease by this afternoon, but said heavy rains and flooding were likely to continue for several days, and could move further inland.