Severe Tropical Cyclone Glenda approached the Pilbara coast to the west of Karratha as a Category 4 tropical cyclone. This intensity was confirmed by offshore observations where sustained winds of 175 kilometres per hour were recorded. At this stage Glenda was producing very destructive gusts of around 250 kilometres per hour. Close to the coast, with the very destructive core already over the coast, Glenda took a more westerly track and moved closer to Onslow before finally crossing the coast near Onslow. The prolonged interaction with land likely weakened the system to Category 3 intensity prior to reaching Onslow. This will be confirmed during post-analysis.
|
206mm of rain fell at Onslow (24 hours to 9am Friday), representing the sixth wettest day on record for the town. Other centres in the Pilbara also recorded cumulative totals of over 200mm, and although in general Glenda produced less than average rainfall for a landfalling tropical cyclone, rainfall was sufficient to cause problems for transport.
|
The weakening of TC Glenda prior to impact on Onslow, together with the preparedness of the town helped to avert major damage.
|
Glenda was the sixth tropical cyclone in the WA area of responsibility this season. Around 6-7 tropical cyclones occur in the WA area of responsibility each season.
|
