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SIGNIFICANT WEATHER - APRIL 1997
Introduction
Thunderstorms
Wind
Flooding
Temperature
Rainfall
April, like March, was dominated by rainfall extremes. But instead of flooding, this month saw record low April rainfall totals in much of NSW and SA. Early in the month very strong winds did signficant damage in southern Tasmania.
New South Wales On the 24th, 5cm hail fell at Noraville (Hunter) and 2.5cm hail fell at Fingal Bay (Hunter). Western Australia
On the 2nd, hailstones up to 3.5cm in
diameter killed some birds and lambs near Yuna
(Northnortheast of Geraldton). Other storms
produced hail and flash flooding near Moorarie
Station (west of Meekatharra) as 31mm of rain
fell in 90 minutes.
On the 3rd, heavy local rains, including
83mm in 45 minutes produced flash flooding near
Balla (east of York).
On the 5th, afternoon storms near Northampton
caused wind damage and a brief closure of the
North West Coastal Highway. One burst of
activity at 3:00pm produced 25mm of rain in 20
minutes at Northampton.
On the 6th, a thunderstorm squall line
damaged trees and sheds at Yuin Station
(northeast of Geraldton).
On the 7th, storms near Northam produced
flash flooding and damaged trees.
On the 13th, hail and flash flooding
occurred near Mukinbudin (north of Merredin)
with reports of 80mm of rain.
Queensland
Periods of heavy rainfall earlier in the year
initiated the moderate to major flooding that
continued in Cooper Creek until the 11th.
Tasmania
On the 4th, strong winds buffeted the south of
the State. Many power lines and trees were blown
down. Roofs were blown off, yachts were blown
from their moorings and a floating take-away fish
shop in Constitution Dock sank. The damage bill
was estimated in the millions. The strongest gust
recorded at the Bureau was 124 km/h. On the
eastern shore, a gust of 156 km/h was recorded.
On the 7th, a roof was blown off in Claremont.
Highest Daily Maximum Temperature for April
Previous Years of
Station Actual Date Highest Year Record
øC øC
Queensland
Double Isl. Point 30.2 7 29.4 1983 38
Lowest Daily Minimum Temperature for April
Previous Years of
Station Actual Date Lowest Year Record
øC øC
Queensland
Low Isles 21.0 15 21.3 1992,94 31
Lowest Mean Minimum Temperature for April
Previous Years of
Station Actual Lowest Year Record
øC øC
Queensland
Coen airport 20.2 20.9 1969,86 30
Mussgrave 17.2 18.2 1993 30
Low Isles 22.7 22.9 1971 31
Tasmania
Smithton 6.4 6.5 1996 35
Northern Territory
Elcho Island 22.5 23.0 1966 28
New South Wales Sydney, with 5.2mm, had its driest April since only 3.7mm fell in 1896. Many New South Wales stations reported no rain for the month. Lowest Monthly Rainfall on Record for April
Previous Years of
Station Actual Lowest Year Record
mm mm
Queensland
Coen 0.4 2.0 1974,93 48
Lockhart River 23.4 39.5 1965 42
Miami 24.4 25.0 1991 30
New South Wales
Woolbrook 0.0 0.3 1980 38
Kyogle 6.6 9.1 1917 91
Katoomba 4.0 6.4 1896 111
Concord 3.1 5.9 1980 67
Cronulla 6.4 9.2 1968 63
Fivedock 5.2 12.1 1951 67
Sydney Airport 8.2 12.1 1968 67
Lucas Heights 0.5 7.9 1980 39
Granville 0.4 3.0 1982 39
Gordon 7.0 8.6 1982 90
Parramatta North 2.9 7.0 1977 31
Riverview 10.5 15.0 1977 92
Pymble 2.8 8.7 1982 49
Turramurra 4.4 8.2 1982 85
Frenchs Forest 7.4 14.7 1980 40
Seven Hills 2.2 6.8 1980 47
Liverpool 2.8 5.6 1982 35
Berowra 6.0 =6.0 1904 93
Cataract Dam 4.0 8.4 1909 93
Kiama 7.7 15.0 1993 99
Moss Vale 0.6 2.8 1993 126
Nowra RAN 1.0 6.0 1995 54
Greenwell Point 0.6 8.6 1993 37
Bowral 2.0 3.0 1993 35
Bungonia 0.0 1.6 1993 114
Canberra AMO 0.6 1.0 1980 58
Taralga 0.8 1.0 1993 114
Thredbo (Crackenback) 2.0 10.9 1967 30
Cabramurra 9.8 12.2 1967 41
Victoria
Swifts Creek 2.6 4.9 1942 58
Mangalore 4.2 4.6 1981 39
Rokewood 4.8 6.4 1993 32
Carrum 9.6 16.5 1963 41
Mitcham 16.0 16.7 1963 60
Anglesea 11.8 =11.8 1988 70
South Australia
Arno bay 0.0 1.4 1981,88 91
Darke Peak 0.0 0.6 1994 84
Lock 0.0 0.6 1988 83
Tumby Bay 0.2 1.2 1993 92
Ungarra 0.0 2.3 1927 89
Wharminda 0.2 0.6 1981 85
Whyalla Airport 0.4 1.2 1981 53
Port Augusta
(Power Station) 0.0 0.4 1981,93,96 40
Burra 0.0 0.3 1962 37
Gulnare 0.0 0.2 1993 95
Port Broughton 0.0 0.3 1967 114
Yacka 0.0 0.8 1902 117
Mallala 0.0 0.5 1945 115
Owen 0.0 0.3 1962 74
Freeling 1.4 2.0 1967 35
Kapunda 0.0 0.5 1962 137
Nuriootpa Viticultur. 1.2 1.8 1962 46
Woodside 0.4 1.0 1923 116
Blanchetown 0.2 1.8 1989 30
Sandalwood 0.0 0.4 1994 84
Northern Territory
Maningrida 5.4 10.5 1966 36
Highest Daily Rainfall on Record for April
Previous Years of
Station Actual Date Highest Year Record
mm mm
Western Australia
Newman 71.6 3 70.4 1966 32
Yuna 53.6 4 48.8 1934 83
Note: Some statistical records mentioned in this report are based on data that have yet to be fully validated.
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