FREDERIC

History

Severe Tropical Cyclone Frederic was active between 28 January and 2 February 1988, developing as the first tropical cyclone of the 1987–88 Australian region season, which was among the least active on record. The system originated from a tropical low identified on 28 January, located well north-east of the Cocos Islands in the Indian Ocean. Initially drifting westward, it was then steered onto a south-southwesterly track by a mid-level ridge, carrying it into open ocean waters.

Frederic intensified to reach Category 3 severe tropical cyclone status on 31 January 1988, with a minimum central pressure of 955 hPa and maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h. On 30 January, while still intensifying, the storm passed approximately 240 kilometres north-northeast of the Cocos Islands. The island's automated weather station recorded a pressure drop to 993 hPa, and the area experienced heavy swells and tropical squalls, though the system was not yet at peak intensity during this closest approach and caused no property damage or casualties on the islands.

Shortly after reaching peak intensity, Frederic encountered increasing wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures, triggering rapid weakening. The storm dissipated entirely over open water by 2 February 1988 without making landfall. No damage or fatalities were recorded as a result of the cyclone.

Sources: Bureau of Meteorology report Wikipedia