BEIJING, March 20 (Xinhuanet) -- A powerful tropical cyclone packing strong winds struck Australia's northeastern coast early Monday, injuring at least three people.

Roofs were torn off buildings and trees uprooted as Tropical Cyclone Larry slammed into the town of Innisfail, about 100km south of Cairns, bringing winds of up to 290km/h.

The storm posed a "very serious threat to life and property" in the far north of the Queensland state, forcing thousands of people to take shelter or evacuate.