BLITZER: We're following the deadly wildfire disaster in Australia. Thousands are fleeing their homes as the flames close in. A new week- long state of emergency has been declared. CNN's Anna Coren is on the ground for us in Australia right now. Anna, this crisis is expected to get even worse in the hours ahead.</s>ANNA COREN, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, that's right, Wolf. We're expecting catastrophic conditions to return here to the south coast of New South Wales and right up and down the east coast of Australia. High temperatures, ferocious winds, really the perfect conditions for more firestorms. We saw those horrendous fires on New Year's Eve which claimed numerous lives taking the death toll now to 18. Authorities have announced there are 28 people missing in the state of Victoria. Many of them feared dead. And as you say, the priority is to get people out of these fire zones. We've witnessed thousands of cars heading up highways, getting out of these areas, residents and holiday makers. This is summer. We are in the middle of summer here in Australia. People head to the beach. And authorities are telling these people they must leave before these catastrophic conditions arrive tomorrow. It is just so dry here, Wolf, we are in the middle of a drought, and this is really adding to the sense of desperation. There is no respite on the horizon, no rain is forecast or substantial rain for the next few months, and this fire season, Wolf, will continue up until March. So what these people are facing is just absolutely terrifying times ahead, but the priority for authorities is to get people out, and to really save lives, Wolf.</s>BLITZER: Certainly is awful, awful situation. Anna Coren in Australia for us, thank you. And just ahead, we honor the memory of David Stern, the former NBA commissioner, whose tenure was a game-changer.
Thousands Flee Deadly Fires as Australia Crisis Worsens.