Summary
A low formed in the Coral Sea south of the Solomon Islands on 5 February. The low moved west southwest and developed into a tropical cyclone on 8 February as it passed to the east of Willis Island. Gabrielle then turned to the south and then to the southeast. On 10 February Gabrielle accelerated to the southeast intensifying into a Category 3 tropical cyclone before transitioning into a sub-tropical cyclone. Gabrielle passed close to Norfolk Island late on 11 February. It subsequently moved to the south to cause a significant impact to the North Island of New Zealand.
Gabrielle reached a peak 10-minute mean wind intensity of 150 km/h during 10 February. Although tropical cyclone advices were issued for Norfolk Island which warned of the potential for destructive winds on the island as Gabrielle passed close by, the island escaped with relatively minor wind impacts such as trees and power lines down. The cyclone had a very large gale radius, particularly as it transitioned to a sub-tropical low. This resulted in high waves that caused large boulders to be flung onto the Cascade Pier which damaged railings and the pier surface.
The Norfolk Island Airport recorded a peak gust of 102 km/h at 0336 UTC 11 February and a minimum pressure of 958.1 hPa at 1100 UTC (11pm Norfolk Standard time or 9pm AEST) 11 February.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle was the fourth tropical cyclone and the third severe tropical cyclone in the Australian region for the 2022/2023 season.
**All information relating to intensity and track is preliminary information based on operational estimates and subject to change following post analysis.**
Extreme values during cyclone event within Australian region (estimated)
Note that these values may be changed on the receipt of later information
| Maximum category: | 3 |
| Minimum sustained wind speed: | 150 km/h |
| Maximum wind gust: | 205 km/h |
| Lowest central pressure: | 958 hPa |
