Category Archives: Australian Region

Tropical Cyclone Freddy Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Freddy rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the South Indian Ocean north of Western Australia on Monday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Freddy was located at latitude 14.1°S and longitude 117.2°E which put it about 400 miles (645 km) northwest of Broome, Australia. Freddy was moving toward the southwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 972 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Freddy rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon on Monday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped completely around the center of Freddy’s circulation. A small circular eye formed at the center of Tropical Cyclone Freddy. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Freddy’ circulation. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Freddy. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Freddy will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Freddy will move over over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Freddy will intensify during the next 36 hours and it is likely to strengthen rapidly at times. Freddy could intensify to the equivalent of a major hurricane during the next 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Freddy will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Western Australia. The high pressure system will steer Freddy toward the west-southwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Freddy will stay northwest of Western Australia.

Tropical Cyclone Freddy Develops Rapidly North of Western Australia

Tropical Cyclone Freddy developed rapidly over the South Indian Ocean north of Western Australia on Monday morning. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Freddy was located at latitude 12.8°S and longitude 118.4°E which put it about 440 miles (710 km) northwest of Broome, Australia. Freddy was moving toward the southwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 992 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system over the South Indian Ocean north of Western Australia strengthened rapidly on Monday morning and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Freddy. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the southern and western sides of the center of Freddy’s circulation. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cyclone Freddy. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Freddy was small. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Freddy.

Tropical Cyclone Freddy will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Freddy will move over over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Freddy will intensify during the next 36 hours and it could strengthen rapidly at times. Freddy is likely to intensify to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon during the next 36 hours. It could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane later this week.

Tropical Cyclone Freddy will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Western Australia. The high pressure system will steer Freddy toward the west-southwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Freddy will stay north of Western Australia.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, a Tropical Low (also designated as Invest 94S) was east of Cocos Islands. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of the Tropical Low was located at latitude 12.5°S and longitude 99.9°E which put it about 210 miles (335 km) east of Cocos Islands. The Tropical Low was moving toward the southeast at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 998 mb. The Tropical Low is forecast to turn toward the southwest and to strengthen to a tropical cyclone later this week.

Former Tropical Cyclone Ellie Causes Flooding in Western Australia

Former Tropical Cyclone Ellie was causing flooding in parts of Western Australia on Wednesday. At 7:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of former Tropical Cyclone Ellie was located at latitude 17.8°S and longitude 123.3°E which put it about 70 miles (110 km) east of Broome, Australia. Ellie was moving toward the west at 3 m.p.h. (5 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 990 mb.

Former Tropical Cyclone Ellie continued to drop heavy rain over parts of Western Australia on Wednesday and major flooding was occurring along the Fitzroy River. Ellie dropped between 5.1 to 20.4 inches (200 to 800 mm) of rain over the Kimberley region during the past seven days. Major flooding was occurring at Fitzroy Crossing where the water level reached 52 feet (15.81 m). The Fitzroy River at Noonkanbah was 40 feet (12.31 m) and moderate flooding was occurring. The Fitzroy River was at 24 feet (7.26 m) at Willare and minor flooding was occurring.

Former Tropical Cyclone Ellie was also bringing gusty winds to parts of Western Australia. A weather station at Broome Port reported a sustained wind speed of 39 m.p.h. (63 km/h) and a gust of 49 m.p.h. (74 km/h). The weather station at Broome Port reported a wind gust of 59 m.p.h. (95 km/h) a few hours ago. A weather station in Derby reported a sustained wind speed of 28 m.p.h. (46 km/h) and a wind gust of 32 m.p.h. (52 km/h). The weather station in Derby reported a wind gust of 55 m.p.h. (89 km/h) a few hours ago.

The circulation around former Tropical Cyclone Ellie was still very well organized. The strongest winds were occurring in bands of thunderstorms over water and near the coast of Western Australia. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern and western sides of Ellie’s circulation. Bands in the northern and eastern sides of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of Ellie generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the former tropical cyclone. The removal of mass allowed the surface pressure to remain near 990 mb even though the center of circulation was over land.

Former Tropical Cyclone Ellie is likely to remain nearly stationary near Broome during the next 24 hours. The bands of thunderstorms are likely to continue to drop locally heavy rain over parts of Western Australia. A Major Flood Warning remains in effect for the Fitzroy River. A Flood Warning is in effect for the West Kimberley District. A Flood Watch is in effect for the Sandy Desert.

Former Tropical Cyclone Ellie is likely to maintain its intensity during the next 24 hours. About half of Ellie’s circulation will be over over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will be under the axis of an upper level ridge over northern Australia. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Former Tropical Cyclone Ellie is forecast to move toward the east-southeast later this week. Ellie is likely to weaken when the entire circulation moves back over land.

Former Tropical Cyclone Ellie Meanders over Northwestern Australia

Former Tropical Cyclone Ellie was still meandering over northwestern Australia on Monday morning. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of former Tropical Cyclone Ellie was located at latitude 17.8°S and longitude 127.1°E which put it about 320 miles (520 km) east of Broome, Australia. Ellie was nearly stationary. The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 993 mb.

The circulation of former Tropical Cyclone Ellie was still meandering over northwestern Australia more than ten days after it made landfall on the coast southwest of Darwin. The circulation around Ellie was still well organized. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of Ellie’s circulation. Bands in the eastern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. The thunderstorms in the western half of the circulation were dropping heavy rain in some locations. A Major Flood Warning was in effect for the Fitzroy River. A Flood Warning was in effect for the West Kimberley District.

Former Tropical Cyclone Ellie will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Australia. The high pressure system will steer Ellie slowly toward the west during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of former Tropical Cyclone Ellie could move back over water near Broome later this week. If the center moves over water, then Ellie will be in an environment favorable for intensification. Ellie will move over over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will be under the axis of an upper level ridge over northern Australia. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Ellie could strengthen back to a tropical cyclone if the center moves back over water later this week.

Tropical Cyclone Darian Intensifies to Nearly Equivalent of Cat. 5 Hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Darian intensified to nearly the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Friday. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Darian was located at latitude 12.4°S and longitude 83.6°E which put it about 850 miles (1375 km) east-southeast of Diego Garcia. Darian was moving toward the west at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 190 m.p.h. (305 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 920 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Darian appeared to go through an eyewall replacement cycle on Thursday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the original eye and eyewall. Two concentric eyewalls were evident on some microwave satellite images. Darian weakened during the eyewall replacement cycle. The original inner eyewall eventually dissipated and Tropical Cyclone Darian intensified rapidly on Friday. The new eyewall contracted around the center of Darian and a small eye was at the center of circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Cyclone Darian. Storm near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.

The size of Tropical Cyclone Darian increased after the eyewall replacement cycle. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Darian. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (295 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Darian was 33.3. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 20.7 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 54.0.

Tropical Cyclone Darian will move through an environment favorable for a strong tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours. Darian will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Darian could maintain its intensity during the next 24 hours. If the inner end of a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall, then another eyewall replace cycle could begin. An eyewall replacement cycle would cause Darian to weaken again.

An upper level trough west of Australia will strengthen during the next 36 hours. Northwesterly winds blowing around the western side of the trough will steer Tropical Cyclone Darian toward the south-southeast during that time period. On its anticipated track Darian will move farther away from Diego Garcia.

Elsewhere, Tropical Cyclone Ellie dropped locally heavy rain over parts of the Northern Territory in Australia. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Ellie was located at latitude 15.8°S and longitude 131.0°E which put it about 150 miles (240 km) north-northwest of Daly Waters, Australia. Ellie was moving toward the south-southeast at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 999 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Ellie Makes Landfall in Northwest Australia

Tropical Cyclone Ellie made landfall on the coast of northwestern Australia on Thursday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Ellie was located at latitude 14.6°S and longitude 130.2°E which put it about 130 miles (210 km) south-southwest of Darwin, Australia. Ellie was moving toward the south-southeast at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 992 mb.

A Tropical Cyclone Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Daly River Mouth to the border between the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

A low pressure system over the Timor Sea near the northwest coast of Australia strengthened on Thursday and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Ellie. Tropical Cyclone Ellie made landfall on the coast south-southwest of Darwin within a few hours of being designated as a tropical cyclone. Ellie was the equivalent of a tropical storm at the time of landfall. The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). Winds to tropical storm force extended out 85 miles (135 km/h).

Tropical Cyclone Ellie will move toward the south-southeast during the next 24 hours. Ellie will move farther inland over the western part of the Northern Territory of Australia. Tropical Cyclone Ellie will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the western parts of the Northern Territory. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Flood Watches were in effect for the Carpentaria Coastal Rivers, the Bonaparte Coastal Rivers, the North West Coastal Rivers, and Inland Northern Territory Catchments.

Elsewhere, Tropical Cyclone Darian was moving toward the west over the South Indian Ocean. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Darian was located at latitude 12.8°S and longitude 85.4°E which put it about 985 miles (1590 km) east-southeast of Diego Garcia. Darian was moving toward the west at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 145 m.p.h. (235 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 961 mb.

Rare Late Season Tropical Cyclone Forms over South Indian Ocean

A rare late season tropical cyclone formed over the South Indian Ocean on Thursday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone 01S was located at latitude 10.7°S and longitude 95.0°E which put it about 170 miles (275 km) west-northwest of Cocos Island. Tropical Cyclone 01S was moving toward the southeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system over the South Indian Ocean west-northwest of Cocos Island strengthened on Thursday and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology both designated the system as a tropical cyclone. It is unusual for a tropical cyclone to form this late in the season in the southern hemisphere. It is the equivalent of a tropical cyclone forming in late January in the northern hemisphere.

The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Cyclone 01S was asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of the tropical cyclone. Bands in the northern half of Tropical Cyclone 01S consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Tropical Cyclone 01S was under the southwestern part of an upper level ridge centered northwest of Australia. The upper level ridge was producing northerly winds that were blowing toward the top of the tropical cyclone’s circulation. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear was causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 170 miles (275 km) in the southeastern quadrant of Tropical Cyclone 01S. Winds in the other parts of the tropical cyclone were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Cyclone 01S will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. The tropical cyclone will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. However, the upper level ridge northwest of Australia will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone 01S could strengthen a little more during the next 24 hours, but the moderate vertical wind shear will limit intensification.

Tropical Cyclone 01S will move north of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean during the next several days. The high pressure system will steer the tropical cyclone toward the west. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone 01S will begin to move farther away from Cocos Island.

Tropical Cyclone Halima Forms South of Diego Garcia

Tropical Cyclone Halima formed south of Diego Garcia on Wednesday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Halima was located at latitude 13.4°S and longitude 75.7°E which put it about 485 miles (780 km) south-southeast of Diego Garcia. Halima was moving toward the west-southwest at 9 m.p.h (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system over the South Indian Ocean south of Diego Garcia strengthened on Wednesday and the system was designated at Tropical Cyclone Halima. More thunderstorms formed west of the center of Halima’s circulation. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of Tropical Cyclone Halima. Bands in the eastern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Halima.

Tropical Cyclone Halima will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Halima will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Halima’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the shear will not be enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Cyclone Halima will intensify during the next 36 hours and it could strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Halima will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean during the next 36 hours. The high pressure system will steer Halima toward the south. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Halima will move farther away from Diego Garcia.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Charlotte weakened gradually northwest of Australia. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Charlotte was located at latitude 20.4°S and longitude 107.6°E which put it about 430 miles (695 km) west-northwest of Learmonth, Australia. Charlotte was moving toward the south-southwest at 13 m.p.h (20 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 979 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Charlotte Spins Northwest of Australia

Tropical Cyclone Charotte was spinning over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Australia on Tuesday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Charlotte was located at latitude 18.5°S and longitude 108.7°E which put it about 435 miles (700 km) northwest of Learmonth, Australia. Charlotte was moving toward the south-southwest at 6 m.p.h (10 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 973 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Charlotte continued to spin over over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Australia on Tuesday night. The environment around Charlotte became less favorable for a tropical cyclone on Tuesday evening and the tropical cyclone was beginning to be affected the different environment. The ring of thunderstorms around the eye weakened and the overall distribution of thunderstorms became asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of the circulation around Tropical Cyclone Charlotte. Bands in the northern half of the tropical cyclone consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of circulation were still generating upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the southeast of the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Charlotte.

Tropical Cyclone Charlotte will continue to be in an environment unfavorable for a tropical cyclone during the next several days. Charlotte will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. An upper level trough over the South Indian Ocean will approach Charlotte from the west. The trough will produce northwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Charlotte’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The flow of air around Tropical Cyclone Charlotte could also pull drier air into the western and northern parts of the circulation. The wind shear and the drier air will cause Tropical Cyclone Charlotte to weaken during the next several days.

Tropical Cyclone Charlotte will move around the western part of a high pressure system over Australia during the next 36 hours. The high pressure system will steer Charlotte toward the south. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Charlotte will move parallel to the coast of Western Australia. Charlotte will remain west of the coast during the next 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Charlotte Strengthens to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Charlotte strengthened to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the South Indian Ocean northwest of Australia on Monday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Charlotte was located at latitude 16.4°S and longitude 109.6°E which put it about 500 miles (805 km) northwest of Learmonth, Australia. Charlotte was moving toward the southwest at 9 m.p.h (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 973 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Charlotte continued to intensify on Monday. A small circular eye formed at the center of Charlotte’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the small core of Tropical Cyclone Charlotte. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 15 miles (25 km) from the center of circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) from the center.

Tropical Cyclone Charlotte will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Charlotte will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Charlotte is likely to continue to intensify during the next 24 hours. An upper level trough over the South Indian Ocean will approach Charlotte from the west in a day or so. The trough will produce northwesterly winds and those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase. Tropical Cyclone Charlotte will start to weaken when the wind shear increases.

Tropical Cyclone Charlotte will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Australia during the next 24 hours. The high pressure system will steer Charlotte toward the southwest. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Charlotte will move parallel to the coast of Western Australia during the next 24 hours. Charlotte will remain far away from the coast during the next several days.