1971–72 Australian region cyclone season
The 1971–72 Australian region cyclone season was a very active tropical cyclone season.
Systems
Tropical Cyclone Rhoda
Tropical Cyclone Rhoda existed from October 20 to October 26.
Tropical Low Kitty
Kitty existed from 2 to 5 December 1971 in the Arafura Sea
Sally, 3 to 13 December 1971 crossed coast near Broome, Western Australia.
Tropical Cyclone Althea was a Category 4 cyclone when it hit the coast some 50 km north of Magnetic Island and Townsville in North Queensland on 24 December. Althea produced peak gust wind speeds between 123 and 145 miles per hour. Three people died and property damage was estimated at A$115 million loss. On Magnetic Island 90% of the houses were damaged or destroyed. In Townsville houses were lifted from their foundations and most trees stripped of foliage. Althea was also notable at the time, as it had struck a major city.
Although there was a dangerous storm surge associated with Tropical Cyclone Althea little flooding occurred because the cyclone made landfall on a low tide. However, the combination of storm surge and wave action demolished The Strand sea wall and houses in low-lying areas were inundated with up to 0.6 metres of water.
Tropical Cyclone Bronwyn
Bronwyn formed in the Gulf of Carpentaria and made landfall in Queensland on 7 January north of Weipa. Half of Queensland received more than of rain, with Paluma, Queensland receiving in 48 hours. Serious flooding occurred during the storm. The Burdekin River flooded Ayr and Home Hill.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Carlotta
Carlotta, 5 to 11 January 1972 well off Queensland.
Wendy, 6 February to 9 February 1972.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Daisy
Daisy, 6 to 14 February 1972 off Queensland, caused some flooding near Brisbane
Severe Tropical Cyclone Tessie-Gigi
Tessie, 20 to 27 February 1972 in central Indian Ocean
Vicky, 24 February to 4 March 1972 crossed Western Australian coast at Cockatoo Island.
Tropical Cyclone Angela
Angela, 29 February to 3 March 1972 near Cocos Island and Christmas Island
Tropical Cyclone Belinda
Belinda, 20 to 29 March 1972 near Christmas Island
Severe Tropical Cyclone Emily
Emily, 27 March to 2 April 1972 off Queensland, eight lives lost at sea
Severe Tropical Cyclone Carol
Carol, 6 to 14 April 1972 in the central Indian Ocean.
Tropical Cyclone Faith
Faith, 11 to 23 April 1972 in Torres Strait and Coral Sea off Queensland
Severe Tropical Cyclone Gail
Gail, 11 to 14 April 1972 well off Queensland
Severe Tropical Cyclone Hannah
Hannah, 8 to 11 May near Papua New Guinea
Severe Tropical Cyclone Ida
Ida, 30 May to 1 June 1972 near Solomon Islands causing $70 million damage.