Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | 17 May 1988 |
Dissipated | 21 May 1988 |
Category 1 tropical cyclone | |
10-minute sustained (Aus) | |
Highest winds | 75 km/h (45 mph) |
Highest gusts | 120 km/h (75 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 990 hPa (mbar); 29.23 inHg |
Tropical storm | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
Highest winds | 65 km/h (40 mph) |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | None reported |
Damage | $15.6 million (1988 USD) |
Areas affected | Western Australia |
IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1987–88 Australian region cyclone season |
Tropical Cyclone Herbie was the only known tropical system to impact Western Australia during the month of May on record. The final cyclone of the 1987–88 Australian region cyclone season, Herbie was first identified northwest of the Cocos Islands on 17 May. The following day, the system was classified as a tropical low by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and intensified into a Category 1 cyclone later that day. Several hours after this upgrade, the storm attained its initial peak intensity with winds of 75 km/h (45 mph 10-minute sustained). Around the same time, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center classified Herbie as Tropical Storm 21S.
On 19 May, the cyclone formed a new low-pressure center and relocated roughly 300 km (190 mi) south. Shortly thereafter, the storm began to accelerate towards the southeast and started to undergo an extratropical transition. Early on 21 May, Herbie made landfall in Shark Bay before losing its identity the following day over the Great Australian Bight. Although a weak storm, Herbie brought flooding rains and severe dust storms to portions of Western Australia. Additionally, a 30,000 ton freighter broke in half amidst rough seas produced by the storm. Total losses from the storm reached A$20 million (US$15.6 million). Due to the significant damage wrought by Herbie, the name was retired following its use.