Summary
A low was evident within the monsoon trough in the Timor Sea from 12 March. It moved westward in a favourable environment and intensified to cyclone strength by the morning of 16 March. Further intensification to severe cyclone strength occurred in the following 24 hours as it continued on a path parallel to but well offshore from the WA coastline.
Elaine changed direction to a more southerly course during 18 March and started to weaken. By 2000 WST the following day its movement changed towards the southeast and it weakened further to a tropical low by the morning of 20 March. The low crossed the coast between Geraldton and Kalbarri around 0900 WST. Heavy rain associated with the tropical low caused severe flooding in the town of Moora. Houses and commercial properties in the town were inundated by the floodwaters and approximately 1000 people were evacuated.
For more details see the TC Elaine Report (pdf)
Track and intensity
All times in WST - subtract 8 hours to convert to UTC.
