On the 8th of March, a tropical low was identified approximately 970 kilometres east of Christmas
Island. The low moved general towards the west and didn't develop. On the 11th and 12th of March, the low
moved towards the northwest before developing and commencing a southwest track on the 13th of March. The low
strengthened and Tropical Cyclone Advices were issued for the Cocos (Keeling) Islands commencing at 1:20pm
CCT (Cocos Island Time) 13 March. Following further intensification, the low became Tropical Cyclone
Savannah during the afternoon of 14 March when it was about 110 kilometres west of the Cocos (Keeling)
Islands.
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Strong to gale force winds were experienced on the islands with a peak gust of 80 kilometres per hour
recorded at 0405 CCT 14 March. Vegetation damage and minor property damage were reported.
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Tropical Cyclone Advices were cancelled at 1:20pm CCT 14 March when Savannah was 110 kilometres to the
west of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Savannah intensified into a category 2 system early on the 15th of
March and then into a category 3 severe tropical cyclone early on the 16th of March whilst maintaining a
general southwest track.
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On the 16th and 17th of March, Savannah tracked more towards the west southwest and developed further into
a category 4 severe tropical cyclone during the 17th of March.
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Savannah crossed into La Reunion's area of responsibility (west of 90E) early on the 18th of March as a
category 4 severe tropical cyclone.
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Severe Tropical Cyclone Savannah was the fifth tropical cyclone in the Australian region for the 2018/19
season.
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**All information relating to intensity and track is preliminary information based on operational
estimates and subject to change following post analysis.**
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