Summary
Tropical cyclone Damien formed from a monsoonal low that developed off the Kimberley coast, to the north of Cape Leveque, on 31 January 1987. The developing low moved generally southwest under the influence of an upper-level high pressure system located over central Australia.
Cyclonic intensity was not attained until 2100 UTC 1 February at 15.5°S, 123.3°E, with a central pressure of 988 hPa. Continuing to move southwest, parallel to the coast, the cyclone intensified slightly to reach a maximum intensity by 0000 UTC 3 February near 16.7°S, 121.S°E. Central pressure at this time was 980 hPa and this was maintained for 12 hours before the cyclone began to weaken. A series of frontal passages to the south of the continent with subsequent advection of cold air into the cyclone caused it to weaken. By 0000 UTC 5 February the central pressure had risen to 991 hPa and winds decreased below gale force. The resulting tropical depression moved erratically westward and by 0000 UTC 9 February at 20.0°S, 111.0°E had dissipated.
Cyclone Damien was a maritime cyclone throughout its life cycle and no coastal damage occurred. The strongest observed wind (83 km/h) was recorded by a ship 150 km to the north of the storm at 1200 UTC 3 February. The estimated strongest winds were 97 km/h from 0000 UTC to 0600 UTC 3 February when the cyclone was near 16.7°S, 121.5°E.
For more details see the TC Damien Report (pdf)
Track and intensity
All times in WST - subtract 8 hours to convert to UTC.
