Summary
Tropical Cyclone Luana was a short-lived system that developed to the northwest of Broome and crossed the Dampier Peninsula at category 2 intensity on 24 January 2026. It brought strong winds and heavy rainfall to the western Kimberley with heavy rainfall extending through inland central Australia over subsequent days.
A tropical low formed in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia, during 21 January and moved southeast towards the Kimberley coast. It steadily intensified, with gales developing to the north of the centre at 1100 AWST 23 January and reaching tropical cyclone intensity at 0200 AWST 24 January. At this time, it was about 270 km north northwest of Broome.
Tropical Cyclone Luana continued to move to the southeast during 24 January, briefly reaching category 2 intensity with peak 10-minute mean winds of 50 kn (93 km/h) at 1400 AWST 24 January as it crossed the Dampier Peninsula between Beagle Bay and Cape Leveque. Luana continued to move to the southeast, passing just to the west of Derby overnight from 24 to 25 January. Luana was downgraded to a tropical low on the morning of 25 January as it moved further. Despite moving over land, the system retained its structure over following days over inland Western Australia until it dissipated on 29 January.
Strong winds caused some minor damage and power outages, mostly relating to fallen trees and branches. Mercedes Cove Retreat located near the crossing point sustained major roof damage. Heavy rain caused some road closures but in general was welcomed over inland areas that had experienced prolonged dry conditions. Tide levels exceeded the highest tides of the year at Derby causing inundation to the Port area.
Winds
Gales were recorded at Adele Island, Lombadina Airstrip, Koolan Island Airport, Derby and Curtin Airport. The gales at Derby between 2000 AWST 24 January to 0400 AWST 25 January were the highest winds from a tropical cyclone since the start of reliable tropical cyclone records in 1972.
Significant peak wind gusts were recorded at: Lombadina: 57 kn (106 km/h) at 1648 WST 24 January; Curtin Airport: 57 kn (106 km/h) at 2124 WST 24 January; Derby Airport 53 kn (98 km/h) at 21:34 WST 24 January; and Koolan Is: 52 kn (96 km/h) at 0801 WST 24 January.
Rainfall
Country Downs recorded a three-day rainfall total of 344.4 mm to 9am 26 January.
Some significant daily rainfall totals to 9am AWST included:
- 25 January:
- Curtin Airport 231.8 mm
- Derby Airport 191.2 mm
- Udialla 185.0 mm
- Lombadina 158.4 mm
- Dampier Downs Airstrip 158.2 mm
- Cygnet Bay 121.5 mm
- Yampi Sound 119.0 mm
- Kilto 118.0 mm
- 26 January:
- Country Downs 130.2 mm
- 28 January:
- Flora Valley 100.0 mm
Tropical Cyclone Luana was the eighth tropical cyclone tropical cyclone in the Australian region for the 2025/26 season and the 3rd tropical cyclone to cross the Western Australian coastline following Fina (November) and Hayley (December). Remarkably Luana crossed the coast at almost the same location near Lombadina as Hayley.
*Note: A comprehensive report will be issued for this event upon completion of a post event reanalysis. All information relating to intensity and track is preliminary information and subject to change following post analysis.
Track and Intensity (Times in AWST, UTC+8h)
