Summary
Naomi was the first tropical cyclone to form during the 1993-94 season. The precursor to cyclone formation was a broad tropical low located off the northwest Kimberley coast. While the structure of the low appeared to be quite complex in the early stages of development, a dominant centre materialised during 15 December which tracked southwards. This development appeared to coincide with a surge in the southeasterly flow associated with a strong high moving into the Great Australian Bight. There was little evidence of a cross-equatorial surge from the northern hemisphere. Following cyclone formation early on 16 December Naomi continued to move southwards and intensified, revealing an eye on infrared imagery in the early hours of 17 December. The eye of the cyclone passed directly over a fishing vessel operating to the west of Broome. The strength of the wind stripped paint from the exterior surfaces of the vessel and the life raft was lost overboard, but fortunately the occupants survived. The cyclone crossed the West Kimberley coastline at 0300 UTC 17 December, about 130 km southwest of Broome. At the time of landfall near Nita Downs and Anna Plains Station the cyclone was estimated to be near peak intensity, with sustained winds of 38 m/s but with a radius to gale- force winds of only 35 kilometres. Severe property damage occurred at the Stations. Leaves were stripped from vegetation in a 30 kilometre swathe along the cyclone track.
For more details see the TC Naomi Report (pdf)
Track and intensity
All times in WST - subract 8 hours to convert to UTC.
