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SIGNIFICANT WEATHER - OCTOBER 2001
The first tropical cyclone in and around Australian territories occurred late in the month heralding the start of the cyclone season. Situated well to the northwest of Cocos Island in the Central Indian Ocean, the system did not affect any communities and slid away to the western Indian Ocean. A number or tornadoes caused isolated pockets of damage around the country throughout the month. Prolific fire activity in central and northeast New South Wales occurred throughout the month exacerbated by strong winds and high temperatures. Fires also caused extensive damage to large tracts of land in the Northern Territory continuing similar occurrences in September.
Western Australia A tropical low in the central Indian Ocean was named Tropical Cyclone
Alex on the 26th about 600 nautical miles northwest of Cocos Islands.
Alex moved steadily westwards entering the area of Maurutius/La Reunion
on the 28th and was named tropical cyclone Andre. It had no affect on
Cocos Island.
Queensland On the 4th isolated thunderstorms developed east of an inland trough across the Southeast Coast and Wide Bay and Burnett districts. A small line of cells in the Tin Can Bay area was enhanced as a southeasterly wind surge moved up the coast. A caravan park in Boonooroo (southeast of Maryborough) reported damage from wind around 5pm, with trees twisted and/or snapped off, tents blown down, and caravans moved. New South Wales On the 1st at Albury 2.3cm hail was reported. On the 2nd at Bowral very heavy rain, most falling in 25 minutes caused local flooding. Also on the same day at Katoomba 3cm hail was reported. Victoria On the 3rd a tornado was observed about 20 kilometers east of Geelong. Little damage was reported. The tornado measured between 100 and 200 metres across and hung suspended from an enormous band of storm clouds at about 6.10pm. The funnel started building in intensity as it moved closer, touching down in several paddocks just outside of residential areas. Western Australia On the 5th a thunderstorm near the northern Wheatbelt settlement of Balla produced hail up to the size of a 50 cent piece which flattened crops and caused minor property damage. On the 19th a tornado passed near Twin Peaks station in the Murchison. The tornado was observed for 20 minutes but caused no damage to property or stock. A hailstorm in Perth on the 21st devastated strawberry and vegetable crops in the Wanneroo area with losses estimated at 2 million dollars. Northern Territory On the 5th a tornado toppled a 40x20 metre hay shed, damaged a boat and trailer and felled trees in a narrow swath at Mango Farm on the Daly River. On the 12th a severe evening thunderstorm felled large trees, damaged roofing iron, flattened fences and blew in windows at the Erldunda Motel, 200 km south of Alice Springs. An afternoon storm on the same day at Chambers Pillar produced a wind gust estimated at 110 km/h. On the 16th two tornadoes unroofed 4 houses, damaged the powerhouse roof, felled trees and power lines at Santa Theresa, 60 km southeast of Alice Springs. Fist-sized hail (50-75mm) was also reported. On the 17th a violent thunderstorm felled trees and telephone lines and blew a fridge along the verandah at Flying Fox Station, in the Roper River District. On the 22nd Alice Springs Airport AWS recorded a gust of 91 km/h in an afternoon thunderstorm downburst. On the same day, a thunderstorm produced small hail and damaged trees at Watarrka (Kings Canyon). On the 26th a tree was felled in an afternoon thunderstorm microburst at Noonamah, 30 km southeast of Darwin. On the 31st an afternoon storm produced 1 cm hail and strong wind gusts for 10-15 minutes at Palmerston and Berrimah near Darwin.
Queensland Thargomindah in Queenslands far southwest reported duststorms on the 6th during vigorous westerly winds.
Tasmania Moderate flooding was experienced in the upper reaches of the Macquarie River Basin. Mt Morriston reached a moderate flood peak of 2.3 metres on the 12th.
South Australia On the 6th gale force southwest winds and local severe wind squalls associated with the northwest flank of a deep low, affected Kangaroo Island and coastal parts of the Lower South East. Sustained winds of 65 km/h were reported at Robe and a gust to 93 km/h was recorded at Cape Willoughby. Tasmania Trees blown over power lines by strong winds on the 31st caused power
interruptions across the State. The maximum recorded gust was 145km/h
on Mt Wellington
New South Wales Bushfire activity was prolific in New South Wales during October with high temperatures and strong winds helping to fan a large number of fires in central and northeast New South Wales. A number of large fires occurred with one fire burning more than 7,500 hectares and numerous others exceeding 2,000 hectares. A total of 90,587 hectares was reportedly burnt through the month. Northern Territory Fresh and gusty winds caused near extreme fire danger in the western Alice Springs District during the first, third and fourth weeks of October. Major fires affected several pastoral properties northwest of Alice Springs during the first week of the month. A fire on Mount Doreen station near Yuendumu burnt for five days up to the 3rd, burning an area of over 1,000 square km. The homestead was threatened, a 5,000 gallon water tank and large areas of valuable pasture were destroyed. There were tens of thousands of dollars worth of lost pasture and fire fighting operations. A large fire burnt through Aileron, Hamilton Downs, Amburla and Napperby
Stations northwest of Alice Springs during the first week of the month,
also burning an area of 1,000 square km and destroying fencing and large
areas of pasture. Another fire on Owen Springs Station, southwest of Alice
Springs, burnt 100 square km during the same period.
Western Australia Untimely low overnight temperatures on the 10th caused frosts in the Great Southern area resulting in serious crop losses. Wandering recorded -1°C, Brookton 0°C and Hyden Narrogin, Beverley, Pingelly and Southern Cross all recorded 1°C.
South Australia
Wilpena Pound in the Upper North District recorded its highest daily rainfall on record with 125mm on the 1st of September.
Note: Some statistical records mentioned in this report are based on data that have yet to be fully validated.
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