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Cyclones - In My Backyard?

Tropical Cyclone Larry, Queensland – March 2006

Tropical Cyclone Larry devastated far north Queensland when it hit on 20th March 2006.

Damage caused by Cyclone Larry

Cyclone Larry developed in the Coral Sea and was carefully monitored by the Bureau of Meteorology for a couple of days, until it was officially determined to be a Category 3 cyclone. The next 48 hours were crucial in ensuring people were evacuated and took the necessary precautions to stay safe.

Cyclone Larry was increasing in wind speed and was categorised as a Category 4 cyclone with wind speeds up to 240 kilometres per hour. It hit Innisfail in the early hours of March 20th and continued to cause destruction and flooding as it moved west and began to weaken as it entered the Atherton Tablelands.

No lives were lost, but the total cost of damages was calculated to be over half a billion dollars. Fields of crops were flattened by the winds, buildings ripped apart and beaches eroded.

Tropical Cyclone Bobby, Western Australia – February 1995

This was a Category 4 Tropical cyclone that eventuated in the west over the Timor Sea near Darwin.

Cyclone Bobby travelled south along the west coast of Australia and passed near Onslow on the 24th of February 1995. It caused considerable damage to homes and buildings. Cyclone Bobby also brought heavy rains which flooded and damages roads, bridges, crops and severely affected the mining industry.

During this time, there were two fishing trawlers and a bulk carrier on the sea. The carrier ran aground and both fishing trawlers sank, resulting in the loss of seven lives.

Tropical Cyclone Tracy, Northern Territory – December 1974

Tropical Cyclone Tracy was a devastating blow to Darwin.

Damage caused to Darwin from Cyclone Tracy

On the 20th of December 1974, a low pressure system developed in the Arafura Sea, which lies between Darwin and Papua New Guinea. By the very next day, Tropical Cyclone Tracy was formed and a warning was sent out.

Over the next two days heavy rains and strong winds were reported and Cyclone Tracy edged closer to Darwin.

Due to the time of the year, and the infrequent threats of severe cyclones, residents took a relaxed approach to the warnings. When Cyclone Tracy whirled into Darwin in the early hours of Christmas Day, at estimated wind speeds of 250 kilometres per hour, it brought with it heavy rains and destructive winds.

Cyclone Tracy took 49 lives in Darwin and another 16 souls were lost at sea. Hundreds were injured and of the 11,200 homes that stood strong in the city, only 400 remained. 35,000 people were evacuated due to the lack of food, shelter, water, medical aid and the threats of the spread of diseases.

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