Tropical Cyclone Jacob was named at 9am WDT 7 March, 370 kilometres southeast of Christmas Island. A Tropical Cyclone Warning was issued for the Island as the cyclone approached and developed into a category 2 system. However, Jacob changed course, did a loop then recurved to the southeast on the 8th away from Christmas Island.
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Apart from a heavy swell affecting Port operations at Christmas Island no damage was reported.
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Jacob continued on a general southeastward track eventually crossing the Pilbara coast 40 kilometres east northeast of Port Hedland as a category one cyclone at noon WDT on the 12th.
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There was heightened awareness and concern prior to the crossing of Jacob as Severe Tropical Cyclone George had crossed the coast in a similar location at 10 pm on the 8th causing significant damage to Port Hedland and neighbouring pastoral stations, aboriginal stations and mining camps.
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No wind damage was recorded following Jacob however heavy rain augmented rainfall from TC George exacerbating flooding on rivers east of Port Hedland particularly the De Grey.
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