Innisfail, Australia ? A powerful tropical cyclone ripped the roofs off buildings and uprooted trees in northeastern Australia, tearing across the region this morning with devastating winds that pinned emergency workers inside despite pleas from terrified residents.

With winds up to 180 mph, Tropical Cyclone Larry smashed into the coastal community of Innisfail, about 60 miles south of Cairns, a popular jumping-off point for the Great Barrier Reef.

A Queensland state police spokeswoman at Innisfail said three people had so far been reported injured, including a woman struck by flying glass.

The spokeswoman, who spoke on a condition of anonymity, said residents had been calling the department all morning as gale force winds destroyed houses around them. Police had not yet been able to venture out because the winds were still too strong, she said.