Summary
Severe Tropical Cyclone Bianca developed in the Timor Sea and moved southwest over the Indian Ocean. It did not affect mainland Australia or any offshore island territories.
A tropical low (21U) developed in the Timor Sea, northwest of the Kimberley coast on 19 February. Between the 19 and 23 February the system tracked generally west southwest, well offshore of the coast of Western Australia. Bianca developed into a tropical cyclone at 1400 AWST 23 February. Conditions were moderately favourable and Bianca intensified over the coming days. The system reached a peak 10-minute mean intensity of 95 kn (175 km/h) at 0800 AWST 25 February while located well to the west of Exmouth. As the system took a more southerly track, conditions became less favourable with increased vertical wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures and Bianca began to weaken. Bianca weakened to below tropical cyclone strength at 0200 AWST 27 February, and the weak low-level centre was steered westwards into the Indian Ocean.
There were no impacts to the Australian mainland or Island communities from this system.
For more information see the TC Bianca Report (doc).
Track and Intensity (Time in AWST)
