Wikipedia:Today's featured article/June 27, 2014

Cyclone Joy led to the government of Queensland, Australia, issuing a disaster declaration for about 30% of the state. The cyclone began in late 1990 as a weak tropical low near the Solomon Islands, and initially moved westward. On 18 December, it was named Joy, becoming the 2nd named storm of the season. After turning southwest, Joy strengthened to maximum sustained winds of 165 km/h (105 mph) while approaching Cairns in Far North Queensland. Brushing the city with strong winds, the cyclone soon weakened and dissipated on 27 December. There was torrential rainfall over Queensland for two weeks, and severe flooding caused most of the storm-associated damage. Rains significantly increased water levels on 10 rivers, among them the Fitzroy River, which discharged about 18 trillion freshwater litres (4.9 trillion gallons) into Keppel Bay over 25 days. In turn, the Great Barrier Reef suffered biological damage from coral bleaching and decreased salinity. Overall, Joy killed six people and caused A$300 million in damage. Afterwards, the name Joy was retired from the list of tropical cyclone names. (Full article...)

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