Tropical cyclones
Summary of the year 2001/02 tropical cyclone season
The number of Southwest Pacific tropical cyclones 2001/02 season compared to frequencies during the past 20 years - Click to enlarge
Southwest Pacific tropical cyclone tracks: November 2001 through 31 March 2002 - Click to enlarge
Five tropical cyclones have occurred so far this season, which is the same number as for the whole of last season and well below average (see graph below). The most recent was tropical cyclone was ‘Des’, which developed northwest of New Caledonia near 18°S 158°E on 5 March, and tracked southeast to pass just south of New Caledonia over the 6th and 7th. The cyclones lowest central pressure was approximately 985 hPa, with sustained maximum wind speeds estimated to be about 95 km/h. A maximum wind gust of 122 km/h was recorded at Koniambo, New Caledonia on 6 March, with gusts below 100 km/h elsewhere.
This season the period between 22 December and 6 January was quite active, with two occurrences during that time. Three tropical cyclones occurred east of the date line and two to the west (the tracks of which are shown in the figure below). ‘Waka’ was the most severe cyclone to hit the northern islands of Vava’u and Niuatoputapu in recent times, with hurricane force winds destroying 300 houses and six schools, as well as uprooting trees, cutting electricity and telecommunications, destroying crops and affecting water supplies.
Estimates of maximum sustained wind speeds for named tropical cyclones in the 2001/02 season were:
| Name | Origin | Period of occurrence | Estimated maximum sustained wind speed (km/h) | classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trina | 21°S 160°W | 30 Nov.-1 Dec. | 65 | Tropical Cyclone |
| Vicki | 12°S 158°W | 22-28 Dec. | 65 | Tropical Cyclone |
| Waka | 11°S 174°W | 29 Dec.-6 Jan. | 185 | Hurricane |
| Claudia | 21°S 163°E | 11-13 Feb. | 140 | Hurricane |
| Des | 19°S 161°E | 5-7 Mar. | 95 | Tropical Storm |
There is still a small chance of another tropical cyclone occurring in April or May. On average one tropical cyclone occurs in seasons similar to the present during this period.
The number of Southwest Pacific tropical cyclones for the 2001/02 season (solid red bar) compared to frequencies during the past 20 years. The horizontal green line indicates the 20 year average.