Thousands evacuated as cyclone bears down on Australia

A storm approaching Queensland is forecast to be the worst since Cyclone Yasi in 2011, which ripped homes from their foundations and devastated crops.-AFP

Cairns (Australia) (AFP) - Thousands of people including tourists were being evacuated Monday as northern Australia braced for a powerful cyclone packing destructive winds with warnings of major structural damage and surging tides.

Cyclone Debbie has been forming off the coast of Queensland state over recent days, the Bureau of Meteorology said, and is expected to hit land after daybreak Tuesday morning.