Feature article
Number of observed cyclones per season 1820–2006, Cook Islands
Insights provided by a historical database of tropical cyclones and their impacts in the Cook Islands
Dr. Fes de Scally, University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Canada
Historical tropical cyclone activity
Since 1820 at least 143 tropical cyclones have occurred inside the Cook Islands’ 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Since 1970 when satellite imagery has allowed comprehensive monitoring of tropical cyclones, a total of 65 cyclones have affected the Cook Islands.