Cyclone Yasi – A marine perspective

21 Feb 11

Due to the La Nina weather pattern the cyclone season (usually between January until March) in North Queensland was more intense this year. The depressions which occurred over the Pacific Ocean were much more pronounced and the severity of wind and rain, when nearing the North Queensland coast, was as large as the North American continent.

Some stats

• The pressure when close to the coast was 924 Mbar as to normal pressure of 1012 Mbar
• Cyclone Yasi was almost 400 N.M wide - almost twice the size of Katrina
• The eye of the cyclone was around 25 nautical miles in diameter, and travelled at around 26 Knots per hour
• Wind speeds of up to 295 Knots were experienced just before the eye passed over North Queensland and in excess of 300 Knots just after the eye
• Description of tidal surges of over 9.5 metres in some areas due to coinciding with high tides

The extent of the damage sustained, is still being assessed. Power is still off in some areas, preventing residents from returning to their premises to assess the damage. Unfortunately the North Queensland boat owners, who usually ride-out these cyclones by using cyclone moorings and also placing the boats between the mangroves on marshy land, experienced little success; significant pleasure-craft (hundreds of vessels) and marina damage was sustained. Early estimate put total damage bill at AUD $600-700m.

Contact us

• Should you have any new appointments or matters requiring our attention please call 1800 811 285 or email claims@cl-au.com  

Dilip Wijenayake
Global Marine Practice Group Member
21 February 2001