 Cyclone Kathy near peak intensity on 22 March over the Gulf of Carpentaria | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 16 March 1984 |
| Dissipated | 23 March 1984 |
| Category 5 severe tropical cyclone | |
| 10-minute sustained (Aus) | |
| Highest winds | 205 km/h (125 mph) |
| Highest gusts | 280 km/h (175 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 916 hPa (mbar); 27.05 inHg |
| Category 4-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 1 direct |
| Damage | $11.4 million (1984 USD) |
| Areas affected | Far North Queensland and Northern Territory |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1983–84 Australian region cyclone season | |
Severe Tropical Cyclone Kathy was a powerful tropical cyclone that devastated the Sir Edward Pellew Group of Islands in March 1984. Originating from a tropical low off the southern coast of Papua New Guinea. Tracking westward, the system attained gale-force winds by 18 March before striking the Cape York Peninsula. After crossing the area, Kathy entered the Gulf of Carpentaria where environmental conditions favoured significant development. On 22 March, the storm attained its peak intensity as a Category 5 severe tropical cyclone (Australian tropical cyclone intensity scale) with ten-minute sustained winds of 205 km/h (125 mph). By this time, the storm had been tracking towards the southwest and struck the Sir Edward Pellew Group of Islands later on 22 March before moving over the Australian mainland as a slightly weaker system. Once over land, Kathy rapidly degraded, losing gale-force winds within 24 hours; the storm dissipated over the Northern Territory on 24 March.
Moving through the Pellew Islands as a powerful cyclone, Kathy generated a maximum storm surge of 4.2 m (14 ft) and winds exceeding 232 km/h (144 mph). Offshore, 20 vessels were affected, one of which sank and resulted in the death of its captain. In mainland Australia, the system struck a relatively sparsely populated area, with only Borroloola being significantly impacted by the cyclone. Additionally, mangroves at along the McArthur River sustained substantial damage. Overall, losses from the storm were placed at A$12 million (A$30.5 million 2011 AUD; US$24.1 million 2011 USD). Following its usage, the name Kathy was retired and will never be used again to name an Australian cyclone.