VINCENT

History

Severe Tropical Cyclone Vincent developed from a tropical low within the monsoon trough on 2 March 1990, forming over the warm waters of the Timor Sea northwest of Darwin. Steered by an upper-level ridge to its east, the system tracked steadily southwestward along the Kimberley coast before curving south toward the Western Australian mainland. Vincent reached its peak intensity as a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone on 4 March 1990, with a central pressure of around 960 hPa and maximum 10-minute sustained winds of 130 km/h, with gusts estimated near 180 km/h.

The cyclone made landfall in the early hours of 5 March 1990 on the Pilbara coast, crossing approximately 20 kilometres east of Dampier near Karratha. It weakened rapidly over the Hamersley Range and dissipated inland on 6 March. As a compact, tightly wound storm, Vincent's destructive wind field was relatively limited in radius. A peak gust of 142 km/h was recorded at Dampier. Widespread minor to moderate structural damage occurred across Karratha, Dampier, and Roebourne, including roof and fence damage and power outages from downed lines. Shipping operations were suspended at the ports of Dampier, Cape Lambert, and Port Hedland. Heavy rainfall, peaking at 164 mm at Roebourne within 24 hours, caused flash flooding that temporarily disrupted sections of the North West Coastal Highway. No casualties were recorded.

Sources: Bureau of Meteorology report Wikipedia