.: Significant Weather Events :.
Tropical Cyclones Affecting Darwin
(Source:
Murphy 1984)
Over the years many tropical cyclones have passed close
to Darwin bringing heavy rain and on occasions strong wind, but little recorded
damage. The following list includes only those cyclones which had a significant
impact on the population centre.
Jan 1882 Strong
gales hit Darwin with severe damage to many buildings.
Jan 1897 Remembered
as the Great Hurricane. Violent winds with torrential rain flattened the
township and decimated the pearling fleet. At least 28 lives were lost and
natural vegetation destroyed over a wide area.
Dec 1915 Severe
damage in Darwin harbour with three vessels sunk and two others badly damaged.
Widespread destruction of trees around Charles Point.
Apr 1917 Moderate
damage caused to buildings in Darwin. Many trees destroyed north of the town.
Sampan sunk near Port Blaze with three lives lost.
Mar 1919 Two
sailing vessels sunk in Darwin harbour along with several smaller boats.
Building damage at Charles Point lighthouse. Hurricane winds and severe storm
surge destroyed the Bathurst Island Mission, where a baby was drowned.
Mar 1937 Darwin
township was severely damaged by hurricane force winds. Huge seas ran in the
harbour, and several boats were stranded. Widespread destruction of the
vegetation.
Dec 1948 Severe
gales caused moderate damage in Darwin. Damage was more severe on the Tiwi
Islands. A fishing vessel was wrecked near Melville Island and the crew of 10
drowned.
Dec 1974 Cyclone
Tracy. City of Darwin devastated, with 65 people killed and majority of 45,000
population left homeless. At least 90% of homes either demolished or badly
damaged. Natural vegetation around Darwin laid bare.
Mar 1981 Cyclone
Max. Gales in Darwin with considerable garden damage but only superficial
building damage. Cyclone Max is notable for the fact that it was the first
cyclone to pass through Darwin following Cyclone Tracy, and the response of the
local people to the warnings was remarkable