Cyclone Glenda
Severe Tropical Cyclone Glenda was among the strongest tropical cyclones to threaten Western Australia, though it weakened considerably before landfall and moved ashore in a lightly populated region. It began as a tropical low on 15 March in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The precursor disturbance drifted over Top End and later across the northeastern portion of Western Australia, and after emerging into the Indian Ocean it strengthened into a tropical storm. Aided by favourable environmental conditions, Glenda rapidly intensified to reach Category 5 status on the Australian cyclone scale, and with a peak intensity of 910 mbar it was among the strongest cyclones on record within the Australia region. On 30 March it moved ashore near Onslow as a Category 3 cyclone, and the next day it degenerated into a remnant tropical low over land.
Glenda prior to peak intensity on 28 March | |
Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | 23 March 2006 |
Dissipated | 31 March 2006 |
Category 5 severe tropical cyclone | |
10-minute sustained (BOM) | |
Highest winds | 205 km/h (125 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 910 hPa (mbar); 26.87 inHg |
Category 4-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
Highest winds | 220 km/h (140 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 922 hPa (mbar); 27.23 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | None |
Damage | $965,000 (2006 USD) |
Areas affected | Western Australia |
IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2005–06 Australian region cyclone season |
The precursor disturbance produced heavy rainfall in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, causing record flooding and some road damage. Minor damage was reported at the final landfall of Glenda. Due to the sparse population and preparations made, the cyclone was not responsible for any deaths or injuries. However, its name was later retired from the list of tropical cyclone names.
Glenda is also tied with Yagi which became the most intense tropical cyclone in worldwide in 2006.