 Cyclone Joan at peak intensity on 7 December | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 30 November 1975 |
| Dissipated | 10 December 1975 |
| Category 5 severe tropical cyclone | |
| 10-minute sustained (BOM) | |
| Highest winds | 215 km/h (130 mph) |
| Highest gusts | 260 km/h (160 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 915 hPa (mbar); 27.02 inHg |
| Category 4-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 230 km/h (145 mph) |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | None |
| Damage | $31 million (1975 USD) |
| Areas affected | Western Australia |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1975–76 Australian region cyclone season | |
Severe Tropical Cyclone Joan was an intense tropical cyclone that ravaged areas of Western Australia. Forming out of a tropical low on 30 November 1975, Joan gradually intensified as it tracked towards the west. After attaining Category 5 intensity on 5 December, the storm abruptly began to track southward and accelerated. The following day, the cyclone reached its peak intensity with winds of 215 km/h (130 mph) and a barometric pressure of 915 hPa (27.02 inHg). Joan only weakened slightly before making landfall in the vicinity of Mundabullagana. The cyclone rapidly weakened after landfall before dissipating over Western Australia on 12 December.
Although no fatalities resulted from Joan, the cyclone caused widespread destruction across areas of Western Australia. In Port Hedland, most of the structures were damaged as a result of the storm. In addition, 1,000 homes in the town were damaged or destroyed. Further inland, record rainfall caused widespread flooding in many areas, causing many rivers and streams to overflow. Due to the severity of the storm, the name Joan was retired after the season.