Cyclone Lua

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Severe Tropical Cyclone Lua
Category 3 severe tropical cyclone (Aus scale)
Category 2 tropical cyclone (SSHWS)
Cyclone Lua near landfall on 17 March
Formed12 March 2012
Dissipated18 March 2012
Highest winds10-minute sustained: 155 km/h (100 mph)
1-minute sustained: 175 km/h (110 mph)
Gusts: 220 km/h (140 mph)
Lowest pressure935 hPa (mbar); 27.61 inHg
FatalitiesNone
Damage> $230 million (2012 USD)
Areas affectedWestern Australia
Part of the 2011–12 Australian region cyclone season

Severe Tropical Cyclone Lua affected a sparsely populated region of

landfall near the remote community of Pardoo, about 150 km (93 mi) east of Port Hedland
. It steadily weakened as it progressed south over interior Western Australia, diminishing below tropical cyclone status on 18 March.

The threat of the impending cyclone halted local industries such as oil production and iron ore mining and exporting. The

retired
from the list of tropical cyclone names.

Meteorological history

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

Cyclone Lua originated in a broad area of disturbed weather that was spawned by a deep

tropical cyclone formation over the following several days.[3] The low pressure area meandered for several days, making some progress toward the east, and gradually consolidated.[4]

By 12 March, the system had developed persistent deep

UTC on 12 March, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert.[7] With increasingly favourable environmental conditions—including warm ocean waters and dwindling wind shear—the low organised significantly between 12 and 13 March, and at 0600 UTC on the 13th, TCWC Perth upgraded the low to Tropical Cyclone Lua.[8] Simultaneously, the JTWC issued its first tropical cyclone warning on 17S.[9] Contrary to real-time operations, the official BoM "best track" database does not list the storm as having attained Category 1 tropical cyclone intensity until 0000 UTC on 14 March.[4]

At the time of its designation, Lua was nearly stationary in terms of forward movement, caught in the equilibrium between a blocking ridge to the southwest and increasing monsoonal winds from the northwest.[8] The ridge began to drive Lua north-northwestward at up to 20 km/h (12 mph),[10] before the storm resumed its slow pace on 14 March.[11] The storm remained relatively disorganised, its strengthening limited by moderate wind shear and dry air entering its centre. Consequently, a large void of thunderstorm activity created a "horseshoe pattern".[12] Nonetheless, Lua proved resilient, and good outflow helped compensate for the adverse shear.[13] The southwesterly steering currents weakened, causing the storm to begin its anticipated curve toward the east and east-southeast.[14] According to the JTWC, the storm completed a small loop as a result of competing steering factors. At the same time, the upper levels of the atmosphere became far more conducive to the cyclone's intensification, and the storm's banding pattern tightened.[15] With a building ridge to its north, Lua accelerated east-southeastward on 15 March,[16] and with wind shear oscillating but generally decreasing, the storm became a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone at 1800 UTC.[4]

Continuing to intensify, Lua began to exhibit an ill-defined

Goldfields-Esperance region.[11]

Preparations and economic impact

Tropical Low 16U meandering off the Australian coast on 13 March

The BoM hoisted its first Cyclone Watch on 14 March for coastal areas between Mardie Station and Cape Leveque.[23] A Cyclone Warning was posted the next day for a smaller stretch of coastline within that range.[24] As Lua approached the coastline, the Cyclone Warning was in place from Cape Leveque to Dampier. Communities between Bidyadanga and Port Hedland were under a Red Alert, the highest level of caution issued by the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia (FESA). The alert advised included residents to "go to shelter immediately". Localities elsewhere between Broome and Whim Creek were on Yellow Alert, while a Blue Alert was issued between Whim Creek and Dampier, to the west of the Yellow Alert area.[25] Work at multiple oil fields and mining sites was suspended or slowed, with non-essential staff being removed at the sites remaining in operation.[26] It was estimated that national oil production was reduced by about 25% during the storm's approach.[27]

Officials of the

USD) in stunted industry, accounting for nearly all of the monetary losses resulting from the storm.[32][33]

With the destruction wrought by Cyclone Laurence in 2009 still fresh in their minds, residents, business owners, and farmers worked hurriedly to prepare their properties and livestock for Lua's onslaught.[26] Horizon Power temporarily redirected power supply in the towns of Marble Bar and Nullagine from solar power stations to diesel generator stations.[34] Evacuation shelters were opened to refugees of the storm with no safe living arrangements starting 16 March.[29] About 110 individuals sought shelter at one such location in Nullagine.[35] As the storm moved inland, flood warnings were posted throughout the Kimberley and the Pilbara,[26] where officials closed public access to Karijini National Park.[29] The impending cyclone forced the closure of the Great Northern and North West Coast highways,[30] while flights to and from several airports were cancelled.[36]

Meteorological effects and aftermath

Microwave-enhanced satellite image of Lua at 0000 UTC on 17 March, at peak intensity; a well-defined centre is visible

On coming ashore, Cyclona Lua produced strong winds, gusting to 150 km/h (93 mph) at Port Hedland,

Port Hedland Airport recorded a maximum temperature of 24.1 °C on 17 March, the coldest March day in the station's history; the previous record of 25.8 °C was set 64 years prior. As the remnants of Lua continued poleward, they continued to drop heavy rainfall, including a daily total (19 March) of 75.0 mm (2.95 in) at Edjudina, setting the record for the wettest March day there.[11] A barometer reading of 939 hPa (27.7 inHg) at Rowley Shoals represented the lowest observed pressure associated with the storm.[1]

Striking a relatively isolated area, the cyclone's effects were limited, and no fatalities or injuries were reported. Indeed, a FESA official noted that initial reports of damage were "scant".

Warrawagine Homestead sustained damage such as compromised roofs and doors, which amounted to an estimated $70,000 (2012 AUD; 74,000 2012 USD[40]). Several head of cattle were killed by the storm.[41] Moderate to major flooding took place in several areas, especially along the De Grey River drainage basin,[42] though the rainfall proved beneficial in much of the climatologically dry area.[41] The above-normal precipitation allowed farmers to get a head-start on planting winter crops.[43]

In the aftermath of the storm, the Western Australia state government allocated relief funds to offset the cost of recovery and clean-up in several of the affected towns. Individuals and families became eligible to apply for personal grants and small business owners would be considered for special interest rates on new loans.

retired from the cyclical list of tropical cyclone names due to the system's adverse effects on land and was replaced by the name Luana.[46]

See also
  • Cyclone Yasi, which struck Queensland in early 2011
  • Cyclone Laurence, which struck Western Australia in late 2009
  • Cyclones Rusty (2013), Kelvin (2018) and Ilsa (2023), which all made landfall in the same region between Port Hedland and Broome as severe tropical cyclones after Lua
  • Cyclones Gwenda (1999) and Inigo (2003), tied for the strongest Australian region tropical cyclones on record; both would strike Western Australia after peaking in strength.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Severe Tropical Cyclone Lua". Bureau of Meteorology. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  2. ^ a b "Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean, 8 March 2012 1951z". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 8 March 2012. Archived from the original on 11 March 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  3. ^ Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth (9 March 2012). "Tropical Cyclone three-day outlook for the Western Region, 12:47 pm WST on Friday the 9th of March 2012". Bureau of Meteorology. Archived from the original on 11 March 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  4. ^ a b c International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship. "2012 LUA (2012069S14111)". University of North Carolina, Asheville. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  5. ^ "Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean, 12 March 2012 0752z". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 12 March 2012. Archived from the original on 13 March 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  6. ^ Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth (12 March 2012). "Tropical Cyclone three-day outlook for the Western Region, 12:27 pm WST on Friday the 12th of March 2012". Bureau of Meteorology. Archived from the original on 13 March 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  7. ^ "Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert, 12 March 2012 2300z". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 12 March 2012. Archived from the original on 21 October 2011. Retrieved 22 November 2012.
  8. ^ a b Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth. "Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin, 0704z 13/03/2012". Bureau of Meteorology. Archived from the original on 13 March 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  9. ^ "Tropical Cyclone 17S (Lua) Warning Number 1". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 13 March 2012. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  10. ^ Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth. "Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin, 0145z 14/03/2012". Bureau of Meteorology. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  11. ^ a b c Western Australia Climate Services Centre (24 May 2012). "March 2012 Western Australia Monthly Weather Review" (PDF). Bureau of Meteorology. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  12. ^ "Tropical Cyclone 17S (Lua) Warning Number 5". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 14 March 2012. Archived from the original on 16 March 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  13. ^ "Tropical Cyclone 17S (Lua) Warning Number 6". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 14 March 2012. Archived from the original on 16 March 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  14. ^ Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth (15 March 2012). "Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin, 0104z 15/03/2012". Bureau of Meteorology. Archived from the original on 15 March 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  15. ^ "Tropical Cyclone 17S (Lua) Warning Number 7". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 14 March 2012. Archived from the original on 16 March 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  16. ^ "Tropical Cyclone 17S (Lua) Warning Number 8". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 15 March 2012. Archived from the original on 16 March 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  17. ^ Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth (16 March 2012). "Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin, 0701z 16/03/2012". Bureau of Meteorology. Archived from the original on 17 March 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  18. ^ "Tropical Cyclone 17S (Lua) Warning Number 9". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 16 March 2012. Archived from the original on 16 March 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  19. ^ Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth (16 March 2012). "Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin, 1853z 16/03/2012". Bureau of Meteorology. Archived from the original on 17 March 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  20. ^ Meteorology, corporateName=Bureau of. "Tropical Cyclones". bom.gov.au. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  21. ^ "17S.Lua Best Track" (txt). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  22. ^ Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth (17 March 2012). "Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin, 2109z 17/03/2012". Bureau of Meteorology. Archived from the original on 18 March 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  23. ^ Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth (14 March 2012). "Tropical Cyclone Advice Number 1". Bureau of Meteorology. Archived from the original on 26 July 2009. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  24. ^ Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth (15 March 2012). "Tropical Cyclone Advice Number 6". Bureau of Meteorology. Archived from the original on 26 July 2009. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  25. ^ Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth (17 March 2012). "Tropical Cyclone Advice Number 26". Bureau of Meteorology. Archived from the original on 26 July 2009. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  26. ^ a b c "Pilbara residents brace for cyclone Lua". NewsComAu. 16 March 2012. Archived from the original on 17 March 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  27. ^ "Northwest Australia takes measures to face cyclone". The Taipei Times. Reuters. 18 March 2012. Retrieved 23 November 2013.
  28. ^ Rania Spooner (16 March 2012). "Pilbara miners brace for Cyclone Lua". WA News. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  29. ^ a b c Rania Spooner (16 March 2012). "Cyclone Lua gains strength as it nears WA coast". WA News. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  30. ^ a b Joe Schneider (17 March 2012). "Cyclone Lua Batters Western Australian Mining Region". Bloomberg Businessweek. Archived from the original on 17 March 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  31. ^ Daisy Tseng (18 March 2012). "Iron ore shipping resumes as Port Hedland avoids big hit from cyclone". Metal Bulletin.(subscription required)
  32. ^ Rania Spooner and Peter Ker (20 March 2012). "Mining recovers after cyclone hit". The Melbourne Age.(subscription required)
  33. ^ Ginger Ding (9 April 2012). "Iron ore from Port Hedland to China drops in March". Metal Bulletin.(subscription required)
  34. ^ Jennifer Fry (18 March 2012). "Tropical Cyclone Lua passes Marble Bar and Nullagine and continues towards the Mid-West". Horizon Power. Archived from the original on 13 February 2014. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  35. ^ "Pilbara on alert for Cyclone Lua". Sunshine Coast Sunday. Australian Associated Press. 18 March 2012.(subscription required)
  36. ^ "The Pilbara braces as Cyclone Lua approaches". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 16 March 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  37. ^ a b c Cortlan Bennett (18 March 2012). "WA:Little damage from scary Cyclone Lua". Australian Associated Press.(subscription required)
  38. ^ "Cyclone hammers small WA community". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 18 March 2012.(subscription required)
  39. ^ "Clean up begins after cyclone Lua hits". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 19 March 2012.(subscription required)
  40. ^ "USD (US Dollars) to AUD (Australian Dollars) exchange rate for March 17, 2012". Exchange-rates.org. Retrieved 24 November 2013.
  41. ^ a b "Cyclone Lua's fury also brings welcome rains". The Western Australia Countryman. 22 March 2012.(subscription required)
  42. ^ Yasmine Phillips (18 March 2012). "Lua Lashes Coast". The Sunday Times.(subscription required)
  43. ^ "Seeding begins in WA". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 3 April 2012.(subscription required)
  44. Attorney-General for Australia
    , Nicola Roxon (24 March 2012). "Tropical Cyclone Lua- Affected Western Australia Communities To Receive Disaster Assistance Under Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements". Australian Government News.(subscription required)
  45. ^ Department of Fire and Emergency Services. "2011/12 Wandrra Eligible Disaster Proclamation Notification: Tropical Cyclone Lua and Associated Flooding (17 March 2012)" (PDF). Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 April 2013. Retrieved 24 November 2013.
  46. ^ "Tropical Cyclone Operation Plan for the South Pacific and South-East Indian Ocean" (PDF). World Meteorological Organization. 2012. Retrieved 24 November 2013.

External links

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