.jpg) Nora at peak intensity over the Gulf of Carpentaria on 24 March 2018 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 19 March 2018 |
| Remnant low | 25 March 2018 |
| Dissipated | 26 March 2018 |
| Category 3 severe tropical cyclone | |
| 10-minute sustained (BOM) | |
| Highest winds | 155 km/h (100 mph) |
| Highest gusts | 220 km/h (140 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 960 hPa (mbar); 28.35 inHg |
| Category 3-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 185 km/h (115 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 956 hPa (mbar); 28.23 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | None |
| Damage | >$25 million (2018 USD) |
| Areas affected | New Guinea, Aru Islands, Northern Territory, Queensland |
| IBTrACS / [1] | |
Part of the 2017–18 Australian region cyclone season | |
Severe Tropical Cyclone Nora was a strong tropical cyclone that affected Far North Queensland and the northeastern Northern Territory during March 2018. The ninth named storm and third severe tropical cyclone of the 2017–18 Australian region cyclone season, Nora developed from a tropical low which formed near the Torres Strait on 19 March. The system initially moved quickly to the west-northwest, and then began tracking slowly southwestwards over the Arafura Sea while gradually developing. A turn to the east on 22 March brought the tropical low into a favourable environment for strengthening, and the system reached tropical cyclone intensity later that day. Nora then underwent a period of rapid intensification as it moved southeastwards into the Gulf of Carpentaria. The storm peaked on 23 March as a high-end Category 3 severe tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 155 km/h (96 mph) and a minimum barometric pressure of 958 hPa (28.29 inHg). Nora made landfall north of Pormpuraaw at about 13:00 UTC on 24 March as a minimal Category 3 system. Nora weakened steadily as it tracked southwards along the coast, and was downgraded to a tropical low the following day. Nora's remnants meandered over land for several days before moving back over the Gulf of Carpentaria and dissipating on 28 March.
Nora was responsible for major impacts across large parts of Far North Queensland. Strong winds knocked down many trees and power lines in the towns of Pormpuraaw, Kowanyama and Mapoon, blocking roads and cutting power to more than 500 homes. Damage was caused to houses, council buildings, personal property and other buildings. Very heavy rainfall occurred across most of Cape York Peninsula and Far North Queensland. Many communities became isolated by floodwaters after roads were either blocked or damaged. Extreme rainfall fell in parts of Queensland's east coast, including 593.0 mm (23.35 in) in just 24 hours in Port Douglas. Flash flooding occurred in Cairns as a result of the intense rainfall, including in car parks, shopping centres and hotels. The torrential rain caused landslides that blocked highways in the region. Many people had to be rescued by emergency services after becoming trapped by floodwaters. Agricultural losses in crops and livestock, as well as damage to infrastructure, were also sustained when farms were flooded. The total economic impact of Severe Tropical Cyclone Nora is estimated to have exceeded AU$32.5 million (US$25 million).[2]
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
BoM TCRwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Podlaha, Adam; Lörinc, Michal; Bowen, Steve; Bhattacharya, Anwesha (April 2018). "April 2018 Global Catastrophe Recap" (PDF). Aon Benfield. Aon PLC. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 June 2019. Retrieved 4 June 2019.