&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Tropical_Cyclone_Emma_2006.jpg) Satellite image of Cyclone Emma covering a large portion of Western Australia | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 25 February 2006 |
| Dissipated | 1 March 2006 |
| Category 1 tropical cyclone | |
| 10-minute sustained (BOM) | |
| Highest winds | 75 km/h (45 mph) |
| Highest gusts | 95 km/h (60 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 988 hPa (mbar); 29.18 inHg |
| Tropical storm | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 65 km/h (40 mph) |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | None reported |
| Damage | $706,000 (2006 USD) |
| Areas affected | Western Australia |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2005–06 Australian region cyclone season | |
Tropical Cyclone Emma was a weak but unusually large tropical cyclone that affected a substantial portion of Western Australia during the 2005–06 Australian region cyclone season. Forming out of an area of low pressure on 25 February, the precursor to Emma slowly tracked southward. Although classified tropical, the structure of the system represented that of a monsoonal storm. However, low wind shear and well-developed outflow gradually allowed convection to develop near the centre of circulation. As the system approached the Pilbara coastline of Western Australia on 27 February, it intensified into a Category 1 cyclone and attained peak 10-minute sustained winds of 75 km/h (47 mph). After moving inland near Mardie, Emma weakened to a tropical low but became exceedingly large; its cloud cover obscured most of Western Australia. The remnants of the weak storm persisted until 1 March, at which time they dissipated over the Great Australian Bight.
Although a weak storm, rainfall from Emma caused flooding in numerous parts of Western Australia. In Karratha, six people required rescue after their cars became stranded in floodwaters. The most significant damage took place along the Murchison River which swelled to roughly 20 km (12 mi) in width. Although only one town was threatened by the river, large areas of farmland were inundated by the expanding river, leading to substantial agricultural losses. Despite the extensive flooding, no fatalities were reported as a result of Emma.