History of cyclones on the Capricorn Coast

Tropical cyclones form on the monsoon trough, which in summer usually lies over the North Queensland Coast. Consequently the Capricorn Region is less affected by tropical cyclones than is North Queensland. Nevertheless tropical cyclones have in the past impacted on the Capricorn region and known details of these impacts are detailed in this study. Tropical cyclones threaten this area mostly in January, February and March, although some have occurred in April. There is a strong year-to-year variation in tropical cyclone numbers in the region, with nearly twice as many impacts occurring during La Niña conditions than during El Niño. Several case studies are presented of cyclone impacts with particular reference to coastal effects from waves and storm surge. In this regard the size as well as the intensity of different tropical cyclones are compared.