Summary
Severe Tropical Cyclone Glenda was a small and intense system that developed very rapidly after moving off the northwest Kimberley coast. Glenda reached category 5 intensity but weakened as it approached the Pilbara coast. Although threatening to cross the coast near the populated Dampier/Karratha region as a Category 4 system close to the time of high tide, Glenda took a more SW course towards Onslow and weakened before finally crossing the coast near Onslow at 2200 WST 30 March as a marginal category 3 system. Very destructive winds were recorded on the coast at Mardie prior to crossing.
A total of 206 mm of rain fell at Onslow in the 24 hours to 0900 WST 31 March, representing the sixth wettest day on record for the town. Other centres in the Pilbara also recorded cumulative totals of over 200mm, and although in general Glenda produced less than average rainfall for a landfalling tropical cyclone, rainfall was sufficient to cause problems for transport.
The weakening of TC Glenda prior to impact on Onslow, together with the preparedness of the town helped to avert major damage.
For more details see the TC Glenda Report (pdf)
Track and intensity
All times in WST.
