1978–79 Australian region cyclone season
| First system formed |
19 November 1978 |
| Last system dissipated |
12 May 1979 |
| Strongest storm1 |
Hazel – 935 hPa (mbar), |
| Tropical lows |
13 |
| Tropical cyclones |
3 |
| Severe tropical cyclones |
1 |
| Total fatalities |
17 |
| Total damage |
$30 million (1979 USD) |
| 1Strongest storm is determined by lowest pressure |
Australian region tropical cyclone seasons
1976–77, 1977–78, 1978–79, 1979–80, 1980–81
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The 1978–79 Australian region cyclone season was the only season in which a reconnaissance aircraft flew into a tropical cyclones. Operationally, Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) tracked eleven tropical cyclones, while two additional systems were later added to the United States's Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) best track. Prior to 1985, the Australian region basin was defined as in the southern hemisphere between 80°E and 160°E, with the modern day season boundaries ranging from 1 November to 30 April of the following year. The first storm, an unnamed system, developed on 19 November 1978. The final cyclone, Kevin, dissipated by 12 May 1979. Tropical cyclones in this area were monitored by three Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs): the BOM in Perth, Darwin, and Brisbane.[1]
Tropical cyclogenesis in the season began when an unnamed tropical cyclone developed well west of Australia on 19 November and lasted until 23 November after moving in a generally southward direction throughout much of its duration. Cyclone Peter developed over the Gulf of Carpentaria on 29 December. During and in the few days after landfall in Queensland on 31 December, the storm produced heavy precipitation in the state and became the rainiest tropical cyclone in Australia. Severe flooding occurred in the Cairns area, leaving two fatalities and about $10 million in damage. Gordon became the first system to enter from another basin, entering from the South Pacific on 9 January. The storm dissipated shortly after striking Queensland on 12 January, bringing rainfall and rough seas.
Cyclone Kerry remained in the Australian region from 12 February to 3 March, making it the longest-lived tropical cyclone in the basin on record. Hazel was the most intense tropical cyclone of the season, peaking as a Category 5 on the Australian tropical cyclone intensity scale. The storm brought rough seas and strong winds to Western Australia, resulting in $20 million in damage and 15 deaths after a fishing boat capsized. None of the subsequent tropical cyclones significantly effected land. Tropical cyclogenesis concluded with the formation of Kevin on 2 May, which dissipated on 12 May. Overall, the tropical cyclones of this season collectively caused 17 deaths and over $30 million in damage.
Season summary
Under the modern day boundaries, a season lasts from 1 November to 30 April of the following year, while a tropical cyclone year is defined as from 1 July to 30 June of the next year.[2] Thirteen cyclones entered or formed in the Australian region,[3][4][5] which was equal to the 1970–71 to 2001–02 average of 13 per season.[3] By region, three cyclones developed over the Perth TCWC,[3][4][5] three formed in the Darwin TCWC, and just one originated over the Brisbane area.[3] Thus, seven cyclones developed in the Australian region[3][4][5] – defined as the southern hemisphere between 80°E and 160°E – until Météo-France's Réunion area of responsibility and BOM adjusted the boundary eastward to 90°E in 1985.[6] This was slightly below the 1952–53 to 1970–71 average of eight per season.[3]
There was a total of eleven coastal crossings, which is either a landfall or a tropical cyclone moving from land to sea. This was well above the 1949–50 to 1974–75 average of five per season.[3] This was the first and only season that reconnaissance aircraft flew into cyclones in this basin.[7] An Orion WP-3D operated by the United States's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) flew into Cyclone Kerry on three occasions – 21 February, 22 February, and 4 March. Another flight mission was conducted for observing Cyclone Rosa as the storm was making landfall in Northern Territory on 26 February. Overall, the tropical cyclones of this season resulted in 17 deaths and slightly more than $30 million in damage.[3]
Activity began in November 1978, when Tropical Cyclone 01S formed the Australian region in the Perth TCWC area on 18 November.[4] The next cyclone, later designated as 03S, developed about a month later on 20 December.[5] In addition, Peter formed on 29 December. January also featured two more cyclones, Greta and Gordon, the latter of which entered the basin from the South Pacific on 9 January. Likewise, there were two tropical cyclones in the month of February, Rosa and Kerry, both of which existed simultaneously for almost three weeks. Hazel and Ivan originated in March. The former was the most intense tropical cyclone of the season, peaking with 10-minute maximum sustained winds of 220 km/h (140 mph) and a minimum barometric pressure of 935 mbar (27.6 inHg). April was the most active, with three cyclones originating or entering the basin during that month. The last storm, Kevin existed in May between 2 May and 12 May, after the end of the modern day season, which is 30 April.[3]
Storms
Cyclone 01S
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) |
|
|
| Duration |
19 November – 23 November |
| Peak intensity |
75 km/h (45 mph) (1-min) |
An unnamed cyclone, later designated as 01S, developed about 185 kilometres (115 miles) north of North Keeling on 19 November at 12:00 UTC. After six hours, the storm intensified into a Category 1 cyclone on the Australian tropical cyclone intensity scale. The cyclone headed southwestward and intensified further on 20 November, peaking with 1-minute sustain winds of 75 km/h (45 mph) by 06:00 UTC. Early on 21 November, the system curved west-southwestward, before turning on the following day. Thereafter, the storm began weakening and dissipated early on 23 November, while situated about 1,210 km (750 mi) southwest of Cocos Islands.[4]
Cyclone 03S
| Category 1 tropical cyclone (Australian scale) |
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) |
|
|
| Duration |
20 December – 24 December (Existed basin) |
| Peak intensity |
85 km/h (55 mph) (10-min) |
Another unnamed cyclone, designated as 03S, developed on 20 December while located about 1,055 km (655 mi) west-northwest of North Keeling. The storm strengthened and became a Category 1 cyclone about twelve hours later. After initially moving east-southeastward, the system re-curved to the west-southwest by 21 December. Further intensification occurred, and by 00:00 UTC on 22 December, the storm peaked with maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h (55 mph). Thereafter, the cyclone slowly weakened and fell to tropical depression intensity on 24 December. Several hours later, the system entered the southwest Indian Ocean basin, where it dissipated on 26 December.[5]
Severe Tropical Cyclone Peter
| Category 3 severe tropical cyclone (Australian scale) |
| Category 1 tropical cyclone (SSHWS) |
|
|
| Duration |
29 December – 4 January |
| Peak intensity |
120 km/h (75 mph) (10-min) 980 hPa (mbar) |
A weak low pressure area over the Arafura Sea developed into Cyclone Peter on 29 December. Peter moved southeastward and deepened while brushing Arnhem Land.[3] Initially a tropical low, it strengthened into a Category 1 cyclone by 12:00 UTC on 29 December.[8] Early on 31 December, the storm attained a minimum barometric pressure of 980 mbar (29 inHg), an estimation made using the Dvorak technique. Peter very briefly intensified further, peaking with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h (75 mph), a Category 3 cyclone, upon landfall near the mouth of the Edward River in Queensland.[3] While crossing the Cape York Peninsula, the storm quickly weakened to a Category 1 and later to a tropical low. After reaching Pacific Ocean near Cooktown, the storm decelerated and meandered offshore, but dissipating just offshore on 4 January.[8]
While trekking slowly offshore the east coast of Queensland, the storm dropped very heavy rainfall, peaking at 1,947 mm (76.7 in) at Mount Bellenden Ker, making it the wettest tropical cyclone on record in Australia.[9] Severe flooding occurred, especially in the Cairns area. There were two fatalities and damage reached approximately $10 million.[3]
Tropical Cyclone Greta
| Category 2 tropical cyclone (Australian scale) |
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) |
|
|
| Duration |
8 January – 13 January |
| Peak intensity |
95 km/h (60 mph) (10-min) 986 hPa (mbar) |
A weak low pressure area associated with the remnants of Peter developed into a tropical disturbance over the Gulf of Carpentaria on 8 January.[10] After six hours, the disturbance intensified into a tropical low, which was named Greta. Moving east-northeast, the system strengthened into a Category 1 cyclone late on 9 January. By 00:00 UTC the next day, Greta became a Category 2 and peaked with maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h (60 mph).[11] A few hours later, the system made landfall to the south of Weipa, Queensland. The city of Weipa recorded a barometric pressure of 986 mbar (29.1 inHg), the lowest in relation to Greta.[10] While traversing the Cape York Peninsula, the cyclone weakened, falling to Category 1 intensity by midday on 10 January.[11]
Eventually, Greta curved southward and briefly moved offshore, before making another landfall near Princess Charlotte Bay early on 11 January.[10] The storm curved west-southwestward and soon weakened to a tropical low. After re-emerging into the Gulf of Carpentaria again on 12 January, Greta almost immediately weakened to a tropical disturbance. The storm then meandered offshore Gulf Country before dissipating around 00:00 UTC on 13 January.[11] Greta brought rainfall to portions of the Cape York Peninsula flooded during the passage of Cyclone Peter, but the former resulted in much less damage than the latter.[10]
Severe Tropical Cyclone Gordon
| Category 1 tropical cyclone (Australian scale) |
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) |
|
|
| Duration |
9 January (Entered basin) – 11 January |
| Peak intensity |
75 km/h (45 mph) (10-min) 990 hPa (mbar) |
Cyclone Gordon developed over the South Pacific basin on 2 January, where it peaked as a Category 3 cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h (80 mph) and a minimum barometric pressure of 965 mbar (28.5 inHg) on 7 January.[12] However, between 7 January and 8 January, satellite imagery indicated a significant weakening trend.[3] Upon reaching the Australian region early on 9 January, Gordon had deteriorated to a Category 1.[12] Around that time, the cyclone attained its peak intensity while in the basin, with maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h (45 mph) and a minimum barometric pressure of 990 mbar (29 inHg).[12]
Weakening continued, with Gordon decreasing to a tropical low on 10 January, following by to tropical disturbance intensity on 11 January. Several hours later, Gordon made landfall near Proserpine, Queensland, and promptly dissipated.[12] Some coastal towns in Queensland observed up to 50 millimetres (2.0 in) in a 24 hour period. However, there was no flood damage. Rough seas and strong winds resulted in some beach erosion.[3]
Severe Tropical Cyclone Rosa
| Category 3 severe tropical cyclone (Australian scale) |
| Category 2 tropical cyclone (SSHWS) |
|
|
| Duration |
12 February – 4 March |
| Peak intensity |
150 km/h (90 mph) (10-min) 955 hPa (mbar) |
A persistent cluster of clouds over the South Pacific basin developed into a tropical low, named Rosa, near the Solomon Islands on 12 February. Shortly thereafter, Rosa entered the Australian region. Initially, the system remained weak and moved across the Cape York Peninsula on 16 February. Upon reaching the Gulf of Carpentaria, the storm slowly strengthened and moved in an erratic motion. Early on 26 February, Rosa peaked with maximum sustained winds of 150 km/h (90 mph) and a minimum barometric pressure of 955 mbar (28.2 inHg). A reconnaissance flight into the cyclone recorded winds of 170 km/h (110 mph) at an altitude of 540 m (1,770 ft), while located about 35 km (20 mi) northeast of the eye early on 26 February. The cyclone then made landfall near Bing Bong. Northern Territory, at the same intensity. Rosa moved west-southwestward across Australia and dissipated offshore Western Australia near Exmouth on 4 March.[3]
Observation stations in the southwest Gulf of Carpentaria reported abnormally high tides. At Bing Bong, the water level rose an estimated 2 m (6.6 ft) above the spring high tide mark. On Groote Eylandt island, a tide gauge was washed away. These weather stations suffered thousands of dollars in damage. Trees in extensive tracts of forests were felled, especially in the Roper-McArthur district, which stretches from the Roper to McArthur rivers. On North Island, located within the Sir Edward Pellew Group of Islands, a stranded light aircraft was destroyed.[3]
Severe Tropical Cyclone Kerry
| Category 4 severe tropical cyclone (Australian scale) |
| Category 3 tropical cyclone (SSHWS) |
|
|
| Duration |
February 12 – March 5 |
| Peak intensity |
185 km/h (115 mph) (10-min) 945 hPa (mbar) |
Kerry entered the basin on 12 February and dissipated by 5 March.
Cyclone Hazel
| Category 5 severe tropical cyclone (Australian scale) |
| Category 3 tropical cyclone (SSHWS) |
|
|
| Duration |
March 6 – March 14 |
| Peak intensity |
220 km/h (140 mph) (10-min) 935 hPa (mbar) |
Hazel grazed the Western Australia coast on March 13, 1979. Fifteen crewmen drowned when their fishing boat sank during the storm. 36 years later Cyclone Olwyn hit Carnarvon, Geraldton and the Wheatbelt on the same date and when Olwyn dissipated on 14 March 2015.[13] The storm caused $41 million in damage, among the costliest Western Australian cyclones.[14]
Cyclone Ivan
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) |
|
|
| Duration |
March 16 – March 21 |
| Peak intensity |
110 km/h (70 mph) (1-min) 988 hPa (mbar) |
Ivan existed from 16 March to 21 March.
Cyclone Stan
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) |
|
|
| Duration |
April 6 – April 15 |
| Peak intensity |
75 km/h (45 mph) (1-min) 995 hPa (mbar) |
Stan existed from 6 April to 15 April.
Cyclone Idylle
| Category 4 severe tropical cyclone (Australian scale) |
|
|
| Duration |
April 13 – April 20 |
| Peak intensity |
175 km/h (110 mph) (10-min) 945 hPa (mbar) |
Idylle hit the Southern Coast of Western Australia.
Cyclone Jane
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) |
|
|
| Duration |
9 April – 14 April |
| Peak intensity |
65 km/h (40 mph) (1-min) 988 hPa (mbar) |
A tropical disturbance formed about 220 mi (135 mi) west-southwest of Cocos Island early on 8 April.[3] Early on the next day, the disturbance strengthened into a tropical low, which was named Jane.[15] The storm only intensified slightly further and later peaked with a minimum barometric pressure of 988 mbar (29.2 inHg). Jane dissipated by 14 April.
Cyclone Kevin
| Tropical storm (SSHWS) |
|
|
| Duration |
May 2 – May 12 |
| Peak intensity |
95 km/h (60 mph) (1-min) 986 hPa (mbar) |
Kevin existed from 2 May to 12 May.
See also
- Atlantic hurricane seasons: 1978, 1979
- Eastern Pacific hurricane seasons: 1978, 1979
- Western Pacific typhoon seasons: 1978, 1979
- North Indian Ocean cyclone seasons: 1978, 1979
References
