Major historic cyclones
Severe tropical cyclone Larry crossed the far north Queensland coast near Etty Bay around 7am on 20 March 2006. It then tracked west-northwest with its centre, or eye, passing directly over the town of Innisfail. At landfall, the eye extended about 20 to 25 kilometres from Mirriwinni in the north to Mourilyan Harbour in the south. A vessel sheltering in the South Johnstone River to the east of Innisfail recorded winds gusting to 225 km/h while gusts as high as 294 km/h were recorded near the peaks of the Bellenden Ker mountain range (1,450 metres). As it moved inland the Ravenshoe wind farm about 75 kilometres from the coast recorded gusts of 187 km/h. The fast-moving tropical depression travelled westward, weakening throughout the day. By 10pm it had passed to the south of Croydon in Queensland's Gulf country where it continued to bring heavy rain and severe flooding. Source: Geoscience Australia Cyclone Larry Report
Tropical cyclone Tracy struck Darwin in the early hours of 25 December 1974, resulting in the death of 71 people, included six lost at sea. The cyclone was rated as a Category 4 with wind gauges registering gusts up to 217 km/h before they failed. It caused massive building and infrastructure damage to all power, water, sanitation and communications as well as huge commercial/industrial losses. Over 80% of all buildings were destroyed or seriously damaged and virtually none escaped some degree of damage. Only 400 out of 11,200 homes remained intact with 5,000 destroyed and most of the remainder very seriously damaged. Of the more than 650 injuries treated, 112 people were admitted to hospital. Source: Emergency Management Australia
Near record rainfall between 25 and 29 January 1974 associated with tropical cyclone Wanda was a major contributing factor to the Brisbane River producing the most extensive city-flooding in Australia’s recorded history, forcing 9,000 people to leave their homes. One third of the Brisbane metropolitan area was inundated, taking in approximately 40 suburbs. Fifty-six houses were swept away and another 1,600 at least were significantly submerged and seriously damaged adding to a total of 6,007 homes flooded to some degree. A total of 13,000 buildings, including homes, were damaged or affected in some way in Brisbane, Ipswich and other surrounding towns. Many vehicles also were damaged or destroyed. The floods resulted in the death of 16 people in the Brisbane/Ipswich region with 13 people drowning and three suffering fatal heart attacks while being evacuated. At least two more died in floods throughout the rest of southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. . Source: Emergency Management Australia.
1935: Broome and other parts of the on and offshore north west coast of Western Australia were badly affected by a cyclone. Source: Emergency Management Australia
1910: A cyclone resulted in the death of 37 people in the Broome region.Source: Emergency Management Australia
1908: On the 80 Mile Beach in the Broome region, ships at sea and land-based structures were either destroyed or suffered damage. A total of 50 people died with most deaths occurring at sea.Source: Emergency Management Australia
In Mackay on 22 January 1918 a severe category 4 cyclone produced a storm surge estimated at 3.7 meters. Arriving with little warning, the surge partly submerged the city and surrounding countryside as the intruding sea-water flowed inland in waves, carrying debris five kilometres from the shoreline. At least 30 people died with about half being drowned. Few of the 1,400 homes in Mackay were left unscathed with many destroyed by the effects of high winds and high, turbulent water. Source: Emergency Management Australia
The cyclone which struck Innisfail was widely regarded as the worst to hit a populated area of Queensland. The towns of Innisfail, Cairns, Ingham and Cardwell were destroyed. The cyclone swept inland over the Bellenden-Ker Range and Atherton Tableland. Contemporary reports list 37 dead at Innisfail and 40-60 Indigenous people nearby. Source: EMA Database
No trace was ever found of SS Koombana, a coastal ferry which disappeared during a cyclone on a voyage from Port Hedland to Broome. The disaster claimed 138 passengers and crew. There were another 11 deaths reported in the Port Hedland region. Source: Emergency Management Australia
A total of 120 people died at sea when the Yongala sank off Cape Bowling Green near Ayr. Two more died at Port Douglas where most buildings in the town were severely damaged. Mossman, Cairns and Innisfail reported severe damage and Cooktown reported plantation damage. Source: Emergency Management Australia
At Bathurst Bay near Princess Charlotte Bay on Cape York more than 400 people died on 4 March 1899 as a result of a 14.6 metre storm surge associated with tropical cyclone Mahina. At least 307 of those who died were crew members from a pearling fleet of more than 100 vessels and other craft. A total of 152 vessels were sunk or wrecked, including some found many kilometres inland. More than 100 Indigenous people also died in forest country or were drowned when they were swept into the sea by the back surge while trying to help shipwreck victims. Source: Emergency Management Australia
Further Reading
Related Websites
- Emergency Management Australia - Cyclones
- Bureau of Meteorology - Surviving Cyclones
- Bureau of Meteorology - El Niño/Southern Oscillation wrap up
- Bureau of Meteorology - FAQ
- Bureau of Meteorology - Cyclone Names
- National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration - Climate Predition Center
- Australian Severe Weather - Cyclone
- Emergency Management Australia Library