Hurricane Makes Landfall Near Australian Coal Ports

Marcia, a Category 5 hurricane, came ashore at Rockhampton in northeastern Australia on Friday, packing wind gusts of up to 180 mph. No deaths have been reported and the storm quickly weakened to a Category 1. The Australian coal ports of Gladstone, Mackay and Abbot Point were bracing for impact yesterday. IHS Maritime reported that 23 vessels were ordered to pull anchor in Gladstone and head to deeper water, while an additional 11 vessels set sail during the day. Early reports indicate widespread structural damage. The cyclone arrived at peak tide and meteorologists were predicting massive rainfalls (and flooding) and heavy seas.