General News Super-Typhoon Haiyan hits The Philippines

Possibly the strongest typhoon/hurricane to make landfall in Earth's history with potential sustained winds of 315km/h (195mph) and gusts up to 380km/h (236 mph). In comparison the strongest gusts in populated places from Hurricane Sandy and Katrina were 'only' 120 km/h and 210 km/h respectively.

Slightly outdated but still informative video:

BBC Weather - Typhoon Haiyan heads for Philippines

http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/goes/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/131107_coms1_ir_haiyan_anim.gif

I think the picture from space really captures the gravity of the situation.


And a super-large version:

http://www.weerwoord.be/uploads/2111201373344.jpg

As someone with an interest in meteorology, it's so easy to be in awe at this beast but forget that it will be a tragedy with a human face in the next few hours....

 

So the damage really was just as bad as expected.

BBC News - In pictures: Tacloban in ruins

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10,000 fatalities so far... gulp.