A vast cyclone has crashed into Australia's northern coast, bringing torrential rains and winds of up to 250km/h (155 mph).

Cyclone Trevor made landfall as a category four storm and officials have declared a state of emergency in some areas.

Another storm, Cyclone Veronica, is set to strike the country's west coast.

Thousands of Australians have evacuated their homes in preparation for the two potentially devastating cyclones.

Destructive winds are expected, while heavy rains and large waves threaten to cause severe flooding.

It is only the second time in history that two cyclones are predicted to strike the country at the same time.

Tropical Cyclone Trevor hit the communities of Numbulwa and Borroloola in the Northern Territory on Saturday morning.

It was downgraded to a category three shortly after making landfall but officials have warned that it is still dangerous.

"There's a concern that flash flooding may occur," emergency operations official Michael Hebb told AFP news agency.

The storm could bring a year's worth of rain in just a couple of days.

In the biggest ever evacuation ahead of a cyclone, people living in its the path have moved into tented sites in Darwin and Katherine.

Some of those who were evacuated say they are worried about what they will return to.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1708 HRS, MAR 23, 2019
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