Category 4 severe tropical cyclone (Aus scale) | |
---|---|
Category 2 tropical cyclone (SSHWS) | |
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Formed | December 17, 1990 |
Dissipated | December 27, 1990 |
Highest winds | 10-minute sustained: 165 km/h (105 mph) 1-minute sustained: 165 km/h (105 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 940 hPa (mbar); 27.76 inHg |
Fatalities | 6 |
Damage | $300 million (1990 USD) |
Areas affected | Queensland |
Part of the 1990–91 Australian region cyclone season |
Cyclone Joy brought the third worst flood to the Rockhampton River since 1860.
Meteorological history
editTropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
Unknown
In response to the formation of Typhoon Russ, in the Northwestern Pacific basin, an area of low pressure formed about 500 km (300 mi), to the south-east of Honiara Island, an island in Solomon group.[1] Later, that day the Joint Typhoon Warning Center declared the storm 06S later on 15 December.[2] The depression moved towards the east before it was classified as a tropical low by TCWC Nadi, before it moved into the TCWC Brisbine's area of responsibility on 17 December, where it was later named Joy.[1] Shortly before crossing, RSMC Nadi estimated 10-minute peak sustained windspeeds of 45 km/h (30 mph) and a peak pressure of 998 hPa (29.47 inHg).[3]
Gradually intensifying, Joy proceeded westward and attained cyclone 1 intensity on the Australian cyclone scale early on 19 December.[1] Around that same time, the JTWC reported that the system had developed gale-force winds.[2] While undergoing rapid intensification, Joy approached the subtropical jetstream. The storm attained peak intensity as a Category 4 system early on 23 December long after turning to the southwest. At peak, Joy was located 160 km (99 mi) of Cairns.[1] According the the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), the storm attained peak intensity of 165 km/h (105 mph) which it maintained for a day.[2]
During 24 and 25 December, Joy meandered while passing in between Cairns and Green Island. Dry air increased, and Cyclone Joy thus began a weakening trend.[1] Later on 25 December, 1-miniute sustained winds fell below 120 km/h (75 mph) winds.[2] On 26 December, Joy corssed the coast near Townsville.[1] Advisories on Joy were dropped by the JTWC the next day.[2]
Preparations and impact
editUpon passing near Green Island, a wind gust of 180 kilometres per hour (110 mph)*. Significant structural damage was reported on a portion of the islands along with a few offshore islands.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e f g Bannister A.J.; Smith, K. J. (1993-12-04). "The South Pacific and Southeast Indian Ocean Tropical Cyclone Season 1990–1991" (PDF). Australian Meteorological Magazine. 42. Bureau of Meteorology: 111–121. Retrieved 2010-06-16.
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specified (help) - ^ a b c d e Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Center; Joint Typhoon Warning Center (Januray 19, 2). Tropical Cyclone 06S best track anaylsis (Report). United States Navy. Retrieved August 18, 2012.
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(help) - ^ MetService (May 22, 2009). "TCWC Wellington Best Track Data 1967–2006". International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship.[permanent dead link]