Perfect timing for landfall just after an EWRC and drop in pressure. There has to be at least a 30 ft surge and 10 plus ft for 150 miles.
FROM ACCUWEATHER: “The site of [Yasi’s] landfall was a little south of Innisfail, which was devastated by the direct landfall of Category-4 T.C. Larry in March, 2006.”
“A storm landfalling with winds of this strength has the potential to cause damage rivaling that of a tornado, but over a much broader swath.”
Landfall was at Dunk Island - and then directly to the inland town of Tully.