Qld: Vaughan all mouth and trousers

AAP General News (Australia)
04-06-2000
Qld: Vaughan all mouth and trousers

Cyclone Vaughan is running out of puff as it edges towards the far north Queensland
coast tonight.

Vaughan, which started the day as a severe category three cyclone, was downgraded to
a category one by 2pm (AEST) with winds easing from 170 to 110 kph.

The far northern city of Cairns was hit by Cyclone Steve in late February and then
Cyclone Tessi earlier this week.

Vaughan moved in from the Coral Sea early today and appeared to pick up strength as
it moved closer to the coast.

Schools, the airport and government offices all closed in anticipation of a lashing
but fears had eased by mid-afternoon as Vaughan lost its steam.

A weather bureau spokesman says the risk of a significant storm surge has eased since
the cyclone has weakened.

Vaughan has still caused a cyclone warning for coastal and island communities between
Lockhart River and Lucinda.

It is likely to dump heavy rain over a wide section of waterlogged north Queensland
causing further heartache for sugar producers who are still reeling from losses during
Cyclone Steve.





Cyclone Tessi, which hit Townsville on Monday, caused an estimated $100 million damage.

Torrential rains dumped by Tessi caused a giant landslide to rip through an exclusive
Townsville neighbourhood.

AAP RTV jhm/sc/gmw/jn

KEYWORD: VAUGHAN (BRISBANE)

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