Cyclone strikes Queensland with 160 mph winds

Winds of more than 160 mph are being carried by a cyclone as it struck Queensland in Australia today.

Cyclone Debbie, a category four storm, has left at least 45,000 homes without power and damaged buildings.

More than 25,000 people were urged to evacuate their homes ahead of predictions the cyclone would be Queensland's most damaging since 2011.

A disaster response plan has been triggered by the Australian government.

The region is expected to be hit with 150-500mm of rain throughout Tuesday.

Queensland premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said: "We are in for a long, tough day.

"The intensity and ferocity of the winds is going to be gradually increasing. Everyone is bunkered down."