Carlos hits Australia's Northern Territory

DARWIN, Australia, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- Tropical Cyclone Carlos caused extensive damage to roads and power lines as it raced across Australia's Northern Territory Wednesday, officials said.

The storm forced the indefinite closure of schools, courts, pubs and tourism attractions in Darwin in addition to the Northern Territory Parliament and Darwin Airport, Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

Overnight winds in excess of 62 mph knocked down trees and power lines while main roads were cut off by flood waters.

Up to 30 homes were inundated by flooding overnight and at least one home was destroyed by a fallen tree.

Emergency service crews received more than 2,000 calls for help Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

The weather bureau declared a cyclone warning for coastal areas from Daly River Mouth to Goulburn Island, including Darwin, Croker Island and the Tiwi Islands.

Chief Minister Paul Henderson said Cyclone Carlos is not anywhere near as bad as the Category 5 cyclone that hit Queensland earlier this month.