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{{Short description|Category 5 Australian region cyclone in 1999}}
{{Other storms|List of storms named John|the 1999 Australian region cyclone}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Use Australian English|date=November 2024}}
{{good article}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox Hurricane
{{Infobox weather event
| Name=Severe Tropical Cyclone John
| name = Severe Tropical Cyclone John
| image = 12-14-1999-John.png
| Type=tropical cyclone
⚫
| caption = John near its peak intensity on 14 December
| Year=1999
⚫
| formed = 9 December 1999
| Basin=SPac
| Image location=STC John dec 14 1999 0732Z.jpg
| dissipated = 16 December 1999
}}{{Infobox weather event/Aus
⚫
| Image name=John near its peak intensity on 14 December 1999
⚫
| winds = 110
| alt=Satellite image of a powerful cyclone near the coast of Western Australia. The storm is very mature, with a large area of deep thunderstorms and a well-defined, clear eye.
| pressure = 915
⚫
| Formed=9 December 1999
}}{{Infobox weather event/JTWC
| Dissipated=16 December 1999
| 1-min winds=130
| winds = 130
| pressure =
⚫
| 10-min winds=110
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| Pressure=915
| Fatalities=None
| fatalities = None
| damage = Unknown
| Areas=[[Western Australia]]
| areas = [[Western Australia]]
⚫
| Hurricane season=[[1999–00 Australian region cyclone season]]
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
⚫
| season = [[1999–00 Australian region cyclone season]]
}}
}}
'''Severe Tropical Cyclone John''' was an intense [[tropical cyclone]] that [[rapid deepening|rapidly deepened]] offshore before devastating areas of [[Western Australia]]. The system was the second cyclone and first severe tropical cyclone of the active [[1999–00 South Pacific cyclone season]]. Cyclone John developed from a [[monsoon trough]] positioned northwest of Australia on 9 December 1999. As it moved to the west and later south as the result of a [[subtropical ridge]] under favorable conditions, the cyclone was able to rapidly intensify. John reached peak intensity on 14 December as a Category 5 cyclone on the [[tropical cyclone scales#Australia and Fiji|Australian cyclone scale]], the highest rating possible. Cyclone John later began interacting with a mid–latitude [[trough (meteorology)|trough]], which slightly weakened the cyclone prior to making landfall near [[Whim Creek]] early on 15 December. Increasingly unfavorable conditions further inland resulted in the cyclone's rapid weakening, before dissipating the next day.
'''Severe Tropical Cyclone John''' was an intense [[tropical cyclone]] that [[rapid deepening|rapidly deepened]] offshore before devastating areas of [[Western Australia]]. The system was the second cyclone and first severe tropical cyclone of the active [[1999–00 Australian region cyclone season]]. Cyclone John developed from a [[monsoon trough]] positioned northwest of Australia on 9 December 1999. As it moved to the west and later south as the result of a [[subtropical ridge]] under favourable conditions, the cyclone was able to rapidly intensify. John reached peak intensity on 14 December as a Category 5 cyclone on the [[tropical cyclone scales#Australia and Fiji|Australian cyclone scale]], the highest rating possible. Cyclone John later began interacting with a mid–latitude [[trough (meteorology)|trough]], which slightly weakened the cyclone prior to making landfall near [[Whim Creek]] early on 15 December. Increasingly unfavourable conditions further inland resulted in the cyclone's rapid weakening, before it dissipated during the next day.


Cyclone John extensively affected areas of Western Australia, but damage was not as bad as expected. Widespread [[power outage]]s across the [[Pilbara]] region were caused by John. Strong winds caused minor damage to infrastructure across the coast, as well as [[tree]] damage. 140 [[windmill]]s were destroyed by the cyclone on the coast. Further inland, rainfall associated with the cyclone and its remnants brought [[flooding]], which flooded 25 houses and caused rivers to overflow. Insured damages from Cyclone John totaled to [[Australian dollar|A$]]300 million ([[United States dollar|US$]]109.4 million), but no deaths were reported as a result of the cyclone. After the season, the name ''John'' was [[List of retired Australian cyclone names#Tropical Cyclone names retired in the 1990s|retired]] from the Australian list of tropical cyclone names.
Cyclone John extensively affected areas of Western Australia, but damage was not as bad as expected. Widespread [[power outage]]s across the [[Pilbara]] region were caused by John. Strong winds caused minor damage to infrastructure across the coast, as well as [[tree]] damage. 140 [[windmill]]s were destroyed by the cyclone on the coast. Further inland, rainfall associated with the cyclone and its remnants brought [[flooding]], which flooded 25 houses and caused rivers to overflow. The system was responsible for no deaths and a limited amount of damage. After the season, the name ''John'' was [[List of retired Australian cyclone names#Tropical Cyclone names retired in the 1990s|retired]] from the Australian tropical cyclone naming list.


==Meteorological history==
==Meteorological history==
[[File:John 1999 track.png|thumb|left|Storm path|alt=A map of a path across the eastern Indian Ocean near Australia. Most of the country can be seen in the right side of the image. Some of the Indonesian islands are visible at the top.]]
{{storm path|John 1999 track.png|alt=A map of a path across the eastern Indian Ocean near Australia. Most of the country can be seen in the right side of the image. Some of the Indonesian islands are visible at the top.}}
In early December, a [[monsoon trough]] north of Australia intensified due to a strong northwest cross–equatorial surge in the [[South China Sea]].<ref name=BOMSeason /><ref name=SeasonSummary>{{cite web|title=Western Australia Tropical Cyclone Season Summary 1999-2000|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/history/wa/2000.shtml|publisher=[[Bureau of Meteorology]]|accessdate=1 January 2013}}</ref> This resulted in the formation of a [[tropical low]] southwest of [[Timor]] on 9&nbsp;December.<ref name=BOMSeason>{{cite journal|coauthors=Bate, P.W.|title=The South Pacific and southeast Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season 1999-2000|journal=Australian Meteorological Magazine|year=2000|month=December|volume=50|pages=127|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/amm/docs/2001/paterson.pdf|accessdate=1 January 2013|author=Paterson, L.A.}}</ref> At 0600&nbsp;[[UTC]] on 10&nbsp;December, the [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] (JTWC) began to monitor the system, designating it as ''02S''.<ref name=besttackjtwc>{{cite web|title=SH02 Best Track|url=http://www.usno.navy.mil/NOOC/nmfc-ph/RSS/jtwc/best_tracks/2000/2000s-bsh/bsh022000.txt|publisher=[[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]]|accessdate=1 January 2013}}</ref> As it moved towards the west and subsequently southwards, improving upper–air [[divergence]] allowed the system to intensify, reaching tropical cyclone intensity on the evening of 11&nbsp;December and thus attaining the name ''John''.<ref name=BOMSeason /> At the time, a [[Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission]] (TRMM) pass of the system revealed a compact system, with a convective [[rainband]] tightly surrounding a central cloud–filled [[eye (cyclone)|eye]]. A developed [[anticyclone]] positioned over the system provided favorable conditions for development. Due to the presence of a [[subtropical ridge]] to the east over Australia, Cyclone John was forecast to generally move in a south-southwestward direction.<ref name=GPSummary>{{cite web|title=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary December 1999|url=http://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2000/summ9912.htm|publisher=Australiansevereweather.com|accessdate=1 January 2013|author=Smith, Carl|coauthors=Padgett, Gary}}</ref>
In early December, a [[monsoon trough]] north of Australia intensified due to a strong northwest cross–equatorial surge in the [[South China Sea]].<ref name="BOMSeason"/><ref name=SeasonSummary>{{cite journal|title=Western Australia Tropical Cyclone Season Summary 1999-2000|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/history/wa/2000.shtml|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology|access-date=1 January 2013}}</ref> This resulted in the formation of a [[tropical low]] southwest of [[Timor]] on 9 December.<ref name="BOMSeason">{{cite journal|author2=Bate, Peter W.|title=The South Pacific and southeast Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season 1999-2000|journal=Australian Meteorological Magazine|year=2001|volume=50|pages=127|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/amm/docs/2001/paterson.pdf|access-date=1 January 2013|author=Paterson, Linda A.|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321151639/http://www.bom.gov.au/amm/docs/2001/paterson.pdf|archive-date=21 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> At 0600&nbsp;[[UTC]] on 10 December, the [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] (JTWC) began to monitor the system, designating it as ''02S''.<ref name=besttackjtwc>{{cite web|title=SH02 Best Track|url=http://www.usno.navy.mil/NOOC/nmfc-ph/RSS/jtwc/best_tracks/2000/2000s-bsh/bsh022000.txt|publisher=[[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]]|access-date=1 January 2013|archive-date=9 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009234207/http://www.usno.navy.mil/NOOC/nmfc-ph/RSS/jtwc/best_tracks/2000/2000s-bsh/bsh022000.txt|url-status=dead}}</ref> As it moved towards the west and subsequently southwards, improving upper–air [[divergence]] allowed the system to intensify, reaching tropical cyclone intensity on the evening of 11 December and thus attaining the name ''John''.<ref name="BOMSeason"/> At the time, a [[Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission]] (TRMM) pass of the system revealed a compact system, with a convective [[rainband]] tightly surrounding a central cloud–filled [[eye (cyclone)|eye]]. A developed [[anticyclone]] positioned over the system provided favorable conditions for development. Due to the presence of a [[subtropical ridge]] to the east over Australia, Cyclone John was forecast to generally move in a south-southwestward direction.<ref name=GPSummary>{{cite web|title=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary December 1999|url=http://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2000/summ9912.htm|publisher=Australiansevereweather.com|access-date=1 January 2013|author=Smith, Carl|author2=Padgett, Gary|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606001327/http://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2000/summ9912.htm|archive-date=6 June 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Steadily intensifying, the cyclone attained Category&nbsp;3 cyclone intensity on the [[Tropical cyclone scales#Australia and Fiji|Australian cyclone scale]] at 1600&nbsp;UTC on 12&nbsp;December. TRMM imagery indicated that the cyclone had developed a banding eye feature, and had good [[outflow (meteorology)|outflow]] and a symmetric structure. Cyclone John continued to intensify under favorable atmospheric conditions, before reaching its peak intensity as a Category&nbsp;5 cyclone on the Australian cyclone scale at 0800&nbsp;UTC on 14&nbsp;December, while located {{convert|170|km|mi|abbr=on|disp=5}} northwest of [[Port Hedland, Western Australia]].<ref name=GPSummary /> At peak intensity, the storm had maximum 10–minute sustained [[wind speed]]s of 200&nbsp;km/h (125&nbsp;mph) and a minimum [[barometric pressure]] of {{convert|915|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}.<ref name=TrackDataDec99>{{cite web|title=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Tracks December 1999|url=http://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2000/trak9912.htm|publisher=Australiansevereweather.com|accessdate=1 January 2013}}</ref>
Steadily intensifying, the cyclone attained Category&nbsp;3 cyclone intensity on the [[Tropical cyclone scales#Australia and Fiji|Australian cyclone scale]] at 1600&nbsp;UTC on 12 December. TRMM imagery indicated that the cyclone had developed a banding eye feature, and had good [[outflow (meteorology)|outflow]] and a symmetric structure. Cyclone John continued to intensify under favorable atmospheric conditions, before reaching its peak intensity as a Category&nbsp;5 cyclone on the Australian cyclone scale at 0800&nbsp;UTC on 14 December, while located {{convert|170|km|mi|abbr=on|round=5}} northwest of [[Port Hedland, Western Australia|Port Hedland]], Western Australia.<ref name=GPSummary /> At peak intensity, the storm had maximum 10–minute sustained [[wind speed]]s of 205&nbsp;km/h (130&nbsp;mph) and a minimum [[barometric pressure]] of {{convert|915|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}.<ref name=TrackDataDec99>{{cite web|title=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Tracks December 1999|url=http://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2000/trak9912.htm|publisher=Australiansevereweather.com|access-date=1 January 2013}}</ref>


However, after peak intensity, dry air began to become wrapped into the northwestern quadrant of the system. Moving towards the Australian coastline, radar imagery from [[Dampier, Western Australia]] showed a strong [[eyewall]] associated with John. Cyclone John began to become elongated along a northwest–southeast [[Axis (mathematics)|axis]] as it neared the coast.<ref name=GPSummary /> The cyclone also began interacting with a mid–latitude [[trough (meteorology)|trough]] the southwest. This generated some vertical [[wind shear]], which weakened John slightly and caused it to curve towards the southeast.<ref name=BOMSeason /> Cyclone John made [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] near [[Whim Creek, Western Australia]] as a Category&nbsp;5 cyclone at 0000&nbsp;UTC on 15&nbsp;December with a minimum central pressure between 930–940&nbsp;mbar (27.46–27.46&nbsp;inHg),<ref name=CycloneJohnReport /> with maximum 10–minute sustained winds of {{convert|240|km/h|mph|abbr=on|disp=5}}, gusting to {{convert|285|km/h|mph|abbr=on|disp=5}}. The entirety of the cyclone's eye crossed the coast by 0200&nbsp;UTC as the storm moved further inland into an area of wind shear and dry air, which caused it to rapidly weaken. The [[Regional Specialized Meteorological Center#tropical cyclone warning center|tropical cyclone warning center]] in [[Perth, Australia]] (TCWC Perth) issued their final advisory on the system at 0100&nbsp;UTC on 16&nbsp;December, at which time it had winds of {{convert|75|km/h|mph|abbr=on|disp=5}},<ref name=GPSummary /> before quickly dissipating the same day.<ref name=BOMSeason />
However, after peak intensity, dry air began to become wrapped into the northwestern quadrant of the system. Moving towards the Australian coastline, radar imagery from [[Dampier, Western Australia|Dampier]], Western Australia showed a strong [[eyewall]] associated with John. Cyclone John began to become elongated along a northwest–southeast [[Cartesian coordinate system|axis]] as it neared the coast.<ref name=GPSummary /> The cyclone also began interacting with a mid–latitude [[trough (meteorology)|trough]] to the southwest. This generated some vertical [[wind shear]], which weakened John slightly and caused it to curve towards the southeast.<ref name=BOMSeason /> Cyclone John made [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] near [[Whim Creek, Western Australia|Whim Creek]], Western Australia at 0030&nbsp;UTC on 15 December with a minimum central pressure between 930 and 940&nbsp;mbar (27.46–27.46&nbsp;inHg),<ref name="CycloneJohnReport"/> and around 30 minutes later had maximum 10–minute sustained winds of {{convert|85|kn|km/h mph|round=5}}. The entirety of the cyclone's eye crossed the coast by 0200&nbsp;UTC as the storm moved further inland into an area of wind shear and dry air, which caused it to rapidly weaken. The cyclone was last noted by TCWC Perth and the JTWC on 16 December as it dissipated overland.<ref name="BOMSeason"/>


==Preparations and impact==
==Preparations and impact==
[[File:Whim Creek Pub.JPG|thumb|The Whim Creek pub in 2008, which was damaged by Cyclone John|alt=Picture of a red, pentagonal building.]]
[[File:Whim Creek Pub.JPG|thumb|The Whim Creek pub in 2008, which was damaged by Cyclone John|alt=Picture of a red, pentagonal building.]]
Prior to Cyclone John's landfall, hundreds of people were evacuated from homes, primarily in [[Karratha]],<ref name=johnlashes>{{cite news|title=Cyclone John lashes Australia|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/565671.stm|accessdate=1 January 2013|date=15 December 1999|agency=[[British Broadcasting Corporation]]}}</ref> where two shelters were set up.<ref name=recordcyclonebatters>{{cite news|title=Record cyclone batters northwestern Australia|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=loVIAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GnADAAAAIBAJ&pg=4674,27374&dq=cyclone+john&hl=en|accessdate=1 January 2013|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=16 December 1999|agency=[[Associated Press]]|location=Perth, Australia|page=A6}}</ref> In [[Point Samson]], 500&nbsp;people evacuated to shelters in [[Wickham, Western Australia]].<ref name=supercyclone /> TCWC Perth began issuing hourly warnings for potentially affected areas beginning at 1400&nbsp;UTC on 14&nbsp;December.<ref name=GPSummary /> As the storm made landfall, some residents of Whim Creek took refuge in a [[shipping container]].<ref name=supercyclone>{{cite news|title=Australia mops up after super-cyclone|url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/world/australia-mops-up-after-super-cyclone-1.23277#.UONB69fyj84|accessdate=1 January 2013|date=15 December 1999|agency=[[Independent Online (South Africa){{!}}Independent Online]]|location=Perth, Australia}}</ref>
Prior to Cyclone John's landfall, hundreds of people were evacuated from homes, primarily in [[Karratha]],<ref name=johnlashes>{{cite news|title=Cyclone John lashes Australia|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/565671.stm|access-date=1 January 2013|date=15 December 1999|agency=BBC News}}</ref> where two shelters were set up.<ref name=recordcyclonebatters>{{cite news|title=Record cyclone batters northwestern Australia|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=loVIAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GnADAAAAIBAJ&pg=4674,27374&dq=cyclone+john&hl=en|access-date=1 January 2013|newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|date=16 December 1999|agency=[[Associated Press]]|location=Perth, Australia|page=A6}}</ref> In [[Point Samson]], 500&nbsp;people evacuated to shelters in [[Wickham, Western Australia|Wickham]], Western Australia.<ref name=supercyclone /> TCWC Perth began issuing hourly warnings for potentially affected areas beginning at 1400&nbsp;UTC on 14 December.<ref name=GPSummary /> As the storm made landfall, some residents of Whim Creek took refuge in a [[shipping container]].<ref name=supercyclone>{{cite news|title=Australia mops up after super-cyclone|url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/world/australia-mops-up-after-super-cyclone-1.23277#.UONB69fyj84|access-date=1 January 2013|date=15 December 1999|agency=[[Independent Online (South Africa)|Independent Online]]|location=Perth, Australia}}</ref>


Strong winds from the cyclone caused widespread [[power outage]]s to areas in [[Pilbara]].<ref name=johnlashes /> At [[Cape Lambert]], winds averaged {{convert|150|km/h|mph|abbr=on|disp=5}} for five hours, with a peak wind gust of {{convert|210|km/h|mph|abbr=on|disp=5}}.<ref name=CycloneJohnReport /> Karratha suffered minor damage from John, primarily in the form of wind damage. Various trees were uprooted by strong winds, and some homes suffered minor roof damage.<ref name=GPSummary /> [[Palm frond]]s in Karratha were blown off [[palm trees]] due to strong winds.<ref name=recordcyclonebatters /> In Whim Creek, where the cyclone had made landfall, the top floor of a 113–year old [[pub]] and [[hotel]] was destroyed.<ref name=GPSummary /> A temporary roof made up of [[tarpaulin]]s later collapsed in a flood event the following month.<ref name=floodedagain>{{cite news|date=25 January 2000|title=Historic hotel flooded|accessdate=1 January 2013|agency=Nationwide News Pty Limited
Strong winds from the cyclone caused widespread [[power outage]]s to areas in [[Pilbara]].<ref name=johnlashes /> At [[Cape Lambert]], winds averaged {{convert|150|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}} for five hours, with a peak wind gust of {{convert|210|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}}.<ref name=CycloneJohnReport /> Karratha suffered minor damage from John, primarily in the form of wind damage. Various trees were uprooted by strong winds, and some homes suffered minor roof damage.<ref name=GPSummary /> [[Palm frond]]s in Karratha were blown off [[palm trees]] due to strong winds.<ref name=recordcyclonebatters /> In Whim Creek, where the cyclone had made landfall, the top floor of a 113-year-old [[pub]] and [[hotel]] was destroyed.<ref name=GPSummary /> A temporary roof made up of [[tarpaulin]]s later collapsed in a flood event the following month.<ref name=floodedagain>{{cite news|date=25 January 2000|title=Historic hotel flooded|agency=Nationwide News Pty Limited}} (accessed via Lexis Nexis on 1 January 2013)</ref> 140&nbsp;[[windmill]]s between Whim Creek and Newman were destroyed by the cyclone.<ref name=windmillloss>{{cite news|date=23 December 1999|title=$300,000 for windmill loss|newspaper=[[The Advertiser (Adelaide)|The Advertiser]]|location=Adelaide|agency=Nationwide News Pty Limited
}} (accessed via Lexis Nexis on 1 January 2013)</ref> 140&nbsp;[[windmill]]s between Whim Creek and Newman were destroyed by the cyclone.<ref name=windmillloss>{{cite news|date=23 December 1999|title=$300,000 for windmill loss|accessdate=1 January 2013|newspaper=[[The Advertiser (Adelaide)|The Advertiser]]|agency=Nationwide News Pty Limited
}} (accessed via Lexis Nexis on 1 January 2013)</ref>

Offshore, 220&nbsp;[[cattle]] aboard a ship died after the ship was battered by rough seas associated with Cyclone John.<ref name=inquirycattlehip>{{cite news|date=11 January 2000|title=Inquiry into cattle ship|newspaper=[[Northern Territory News]]|accessdate=1 January 2013|agency=Nationwide News Pty Limited
⚫
}} (accessed via Lexis Nexis on 1 January 2013)</ref> Production from an [[oil field]] off the coast of northwest Australia were down 38%, partly due to being shut down in preparation for Cyclone John.<ref name=oilclose>{{cite news|date=31 January 2000|title=Second Quarter Activities Report|accessdate=1 January 2013|agency=[[Australian Associated Press]]}} (accessed via Lexis Nexis on 1 January 2013)</ref> Rough seas from John also caused a maximum [[storm surge]] height of {{convert|2|m|ft|abbr=on}}, recorded in Port Hedland by the Port Hedland Authority on 15&nbsp;December.<ref name=CycloneJohnReport>{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone John|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/history/pdf/john.pdf|publisher=Bureau of Meteorology|accessdate=1 January 2013|author=Perth Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre}}</ref> Further inland, Cyclone John brought widespread rainfall and [[flooding]]. In [[Newman, Western Australia]], {{convert|240|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rain was recorded early on 16&nbsp;December. As a result, some roads and 25&nbsp;houses were flooded by the rains. By the evening of that day, the rainfall total had increased to {{convert|500|mm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref name=GPSummary /> [[Todd River]] was flooded after {{convert|80|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rain fell as a result of the cyclone.<ref name=xmas>{{cite news|date=20 December 1999|title=Stop dreaming of a wet Xmas|accessdate=1 January 2013|newspaper=Northern Territory News|agency=Nationwide News Pty Limited
}} (accessed via Lexis Nexis on 1 January 2013)</ref><ref name=inlandnt>{{cite news|date=19 December 1999|title=Cyclone rains hit inland NT
|accessdate=1 January 2013|newspaper=[[Sunday Territorian]]|agency=Nationwide News Pty Limited
}} (accessed via Lexis Nexis on 1 January 2013)</ref>
}} (accessed via Lexis Nexis on 1 January 2013)</ref>


⚫
Offshore, 220&nbsp;[[cattle]] aboard a ship died after the ship was battered by rough seas associated with Cyclone John.<ref name=inquirycattlehip>{{cite news|date=11 January 2000|title=Inquiry into cattle ship|newspaper=[[Northern Territory News]]|agency=Nationwide News Pty Limited}} (accessed via Lexis Nexis on 1 January 2013)</ref> Production from an [[oil field]] off the coast of northwest Australia were down 38%, partly due to being shut down in preparation for Cyclone John.<ref name=oilclose>{{cite news|date=31 January 2000|title=Second Quarter Activities Report|agency=[[Australian Associated Press]]}} (accessed via Lexis Nexis on 1 January 2013)</ref> Rough seas from John also caused a maximum [[storm surge]] height of {{convert|2|m|ft|abbr=on}}, recorded in Port Hedland by the Port Hedland Authority on 15 December.<ref name="CycloneJohnReport">{{cite web|author=Perth Tropical Cyclone Warning Center |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/history/pdf/john.pdf |url-status=live |title=Tropical Cyclone John |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=6 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320213025/http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/history/pdf/john.pdf |archive-date=20 March 2012 }}</ref> Further inland, Cyclone John brought widespread rainfall and [[flooding]]. In [[Newman, Western Australia|Newman]], Western Australia, {{convert|240|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rain was recorded early on 16 December. As a result, some roads and 25&nbsp;houses were flooded by the rains. By the evening of that day, the rainfall total had increased to {{convert|500|mm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref name=GPSummary /> [[Todd River]] was flooded after {{convert|80|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rain fell as a result of the cyclone.<ref name=xmas>{{cite news|date=20 December 1999|title=Stop dreaming of a wet Xmas|newspaper=Northern Territory News|agency=Nationwide News Pty Limited}} (accessed via Lexis Nexis on 1 January 2013)</ref><ref name=inlandnt>{{cite news|date=19 December 1999|title=Cyclone rains hit inland NT|newspaper=[[Sunday Territorian]]|agency=Nationwide News Pty Limited}} (accessed via Lexis Nexis on 1 January 2013)</ref> Overall John was responsible for no deaths and a limited amount of damage.<ref name="BOMSeason"/> After the season had ended the name John was [[List of retired Australian cyclone names#Tropical Cyclone names retired in the 1990s|retired]] from the Australian tropical cyclone naming list.<ref name="WMO TCOP">{{cite report|author=RA V Tropical Cyclone Committee|title=Tropical Cyclone Operational Plan for the South-East Indian Ocean and the Southern Pacific Ocean 2012|publisher=World Meteorological Organization|chapter-url=http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/tcp/documents/TCP24_RAVOpPlan_2012.pdf|access-date=13 February 2013|date=12 December 2012|pages=2B-1–2B-4 (23–26)|chapter=List of Tropical Cyclone Names withdrawn from use due to a Cyclone's Negative Impact on one or more countries}}</ref>
The Insurance Council of Australia estimated that insured losses from Cyclone John totaled to [[Australian dollar|A$]]300&nbsp;million ([[United States dollar|US$]]109.4&nbsp;million), similar to that [[Cyclone Vance]], which totaled damages of A$303&nbsp;million after striking Western Australia earlier in the year.<ref name=johnlashes /> The name ''John'' was later [[List of retired Australian cyclone names#Tropical Cyclone names retired in the 1990s|retired]] from the Australian list of tropical cyclone names after the season by the [[World Meteorological Organization]], and was replaced by the name ''Jana'' for the TCWC Perth naming list.<ref name="Retired Names">{{cite web|publisher=Bureau of Meteorology|year=2010|accessdate=7 February 2011|title=Retired Australian Region and Papua New Guinea Cyclone Names}}</ref>
{{Clear}}


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
*[[Tropical cyclones in 1999]]
*[[Cyclone Orson]]
*[[Cyclone Orson]]
*[[Cyclone Joan]]
*[[Cyclone Joan]]
Line 55: Line 54:


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/?ref=ftr Bureau of Meteorology]
* [http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/?ref=ftr Bureau of Meteorology]
* [http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC)]
* [http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301105349/http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC |date=1 March 2010 }}
* [http://australiasevereweather.com/tropical_cyclones/1999_2000/bom/tropical_cyclone_john.htm Track of Cyclone John] (provided by Australia Severe Weather)
* [http://australiasevereweather.com/tropical_cyclones/1999_2000/bom/tropical_cyclone_john.htm Track of Cyclone John] (provided by Australia Severe Weather)


{{Retired Australian cyclones}}
{{Retired Australian cyclones}}
{{Category 5 Australian region tropical cyclones}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:1999 in Australia|John, cyclone]]
[[Category:1999 in Australia|John, cyclone]]
[[Category:Category 5 Australian region cyclones|John]]
[[Category:Category 5 Australian region cyclones|John]]
[[Category:Cyclones in Australia|John]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in Western Australia|John]]
[[Category:Retired Australian region cyclones|John]]
[[Category:Retired Australian region cyclones|John]]

Latest revision as of 20:20, 19 November 2024

This article is about the 1999 Australian region cyclone. For other storms of the same name, see List of storms named John.

Severe Tropical Cyclone John
John near its peak intensity on 14 December
Meteorological history
Formed9 December 1999
Dissipated16 December 1999
Category 5 severe tropical cyclone
10-minute sustained (Aus)
Highest winds205 km/h (125 mph)
Lowest pressure915 hPa (mbar); 27.02 inHg
Category 4-equivalent tropical cyclone
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC)
Highest winds240 km/h (150 mph)
Overall effects
FatalitiesNone
DamageUnknown
Areas affectedWestern Australia
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata
Part of the 1999–00 Australian region cyclone season

Severe Tropical Cyclone John was an intense tropical cyclone that rapidly deepened offshore before devastating areas of Western Australia. The system was the second cyclone and first severe tropical cyclone of the active 1999–00 Australian region cyclone season. Cyclone John developed from a monsoon trough positioned northwest of Australia on 9 December 1999. As it moved to the west and later south as the result of a subtropical ridge under favourable conditions, the cyclone was able to rapidly intensify. John reached peak intensity on 14 December as a Category 5 cyclone on the Australian cyclone scale, the highest rating possible. Cyclone John later began interacting with a mid–latitude trough, which slightly weakened the cyclone prior to making landfall near Whim Creek early on 15 December. Increasingly unfavourable conditions further inland resulted in the cyclone's rapid weakening, before it dissipated during the next day.

Cyclone John extensively affected areas of Western Australia, but damage was not as bad as expected. Widespread power outages across the Pilbara region were caused by John. Strong winds caused minor damage to infrastructure across the coast, as well as tree damage. 140 windmills were destroyed by the cyclone on the coast. Further inland, rainfall associated with the cyclone and its remnants brought flooding, which flooded 25 houses and caused rivers to overflow. The system was responsible for no deaths and a limited amount of damage. After the season, the name John was retired from the Australian tropical cyclone naming list.

Meteorological history

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A map of a path across the eastern Indian Ocean near Australia. Most of the country can be seen in the right side of the image. Some of the Indonesian islands are visible at the top.
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

In early December, a monsoon trough north of Australia intensified due to a strong northwest cross–equatorial surge in the South China Sea.[1][2] This resulted in the formation of a tropical low southwest of Timor on 9 December.[1] At 0600 UTC on 10 December, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) began to monitor the system, designating it as 02S.[3] As it moved towards the west and subsequently southwards, improving upper–air divergence allowed the system to intensify, reaching tropical cyclone intensity on the evening of 11 December and thus attaining the name John.[1] At the time, a Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) pass of the system revealed a compact system, with a convective rainband tightly surrounding a central cloud–filled eye. A developed anticyclone positioned over the system provided favorable conditions for development. Due to the presence of a subtropical ridge to the east over Australia, Cyclone John was forecast to generally move in a south-southwestward direction.[4]

Steadily intensifying, the cyclone attained Category 3 cyclone intensity on the Australian cyclone scale at 1600 UTC on 12 December. TRMM imagery indicated that the cyclone had developed a banding eye feature, and had good outflow and a symmetric structure. Cyclone John continued to intensify under favorable atmospheric conditions, before reaching its peak intensity as a Category 5 cyclone on the Australian cyclone scale at 0800 UTC on 14 December, while located 170 km (105 mi) northwest of Port Hedland, Western Australia.[4] At peak intensity, the storm had maximum 10–minute sustained wind speeds of 205 km/h (130 mph) and a minimum barometric pressure of 915 mbar (27.0 inHg).[5]

However, after peak intensity, dry air began to become wrapped into the northwestern quadrant of the system. Moving towards the Australian coastline, radar imagery from Dampier, Western Australia showed a strong eyewall associated with John. Cyclone John began to become elongated along a northwest–southeast axis as it neared the coast.[4] The cyclone also began interacting with a mid–latitude trough to the southwest. This generated some vertical wind shear, which weakened John slightly and caused it to curve towards the southeast.[1] Cyclone John made landfall near Whim Creek, Western Australia at 0030 UTC on 15 December with a minimum central pressure between 930 and 940 mbar (27.46–27.46 inHg),[6] and around 30 minutes later had maximum 10–minute sustained winds of 85 knots (155 km/h; 100 mph). The entirety of the cyclone's eye crossed the coast by 0200 UTC as the storm moved further inland into an area of wind shear and dry air, which caused it to rapidly weaken. The cyclone was last noted by TCWC Perth and the JTWC on 16 December as it dissipated overland.[1]

Preparations and impact

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Picture of a red, pentagonal building.
The Whim Creek pub in 2008, which was damaged by Cyclone John

Prior to Cyclone John's landfall, hundreds of people were evacuated from homes, primarily in Karratha,[7] where two shelters were set up.[8] In Point Samson, 500 people evacuated to shelters in Wickham, Western Australia.[9] TCWC Perth began issuing hourly warnings for potentially affected areas beginning at 1400 UTC on 14 December.[4] As the storm made landfall, some residents of Whim Creek took refuge in a shipping container.[9]

Strong winds from the cyclone caused widespread power outages to areas in Pilbara.[7] At Cape Lambert, winds averaged 150 km/h (95 mph) for five hours, with a peak wind gust of 210 km/h (130 mph).[6] Karratha suffered minor damage from John, primarily in the form of wind damage. Various trees were uprooted by strong winds, and some homes suffered minor roof damage.[4] Palm fronds in Karratha were blown off palm trees due to strong winds.[8] In Whim Creek, where the cyclone had made landfall, the top floor of a 113-year-old pub and hotel was destroyed.[4] A temporary roof made up of tarpaulins later collapsed in a flood event the following month.[10] 140 windmills between Whim Creek and Newman were destroyed by the cyclone.[11]

Offshore, 220 cattle aboard a ship died after the ship was battered by rough seas associated with Cyclone John.[12] Production from an oil field off the coast of northwest Australia were down 38%, partly due to being shut down in preparation for Cyclone John.[13] Rough seas from John also caused a maximum storm surge height of 2 m (6.6 ft), recorded in Port Hedland by the Port Hedland Authority on 15 December.[6] Further inland, Cyclone John brought widespread rainfall and flooding. In Newman, Western Australia, 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain was recorded early on 16 December. As a result, some roads and 25 houses were flooded by the rains. By the evening of that day, the rainfall total had increased to 500 mm (20 in).[4] Todd River was flooded after 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain fell as a result of the cyclone.[14][15] Overall John was responsible for no deaths and a limited amount of damage.[1] After the season had ended the name John was retired from the Australian tropical cyclone naming list.[16]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Paterson, Linda A.; Bate, Peter W. (2001). "The South Pacific and southeast Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season 1999-2000" (PDF). Australian Meteorological Magazine. 50. Australian Bureau of Meteorology: 127. Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 March 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
  2. ^ "Western Australia Tropical Cyclone Season Summary 1999-2000". Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Retrieved 1 January 2013. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  3. ^ "SH02 Best Track". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Archived from the original on 9 October 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Smith, Carl; Padgett, Gary. "Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary December 1999". Australiansevereweather.com. Archived from the original on 6 June 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
  5. ^ "Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Tracks December 1999". Australiansevereweather.com. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
  6. ^ a b c Perth Tropical Cyclone Warning Center. "Tropical Cyclone John" (PDF). Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 March 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
  7. ^ a b "Cyclone John lashes Australia". BBC News. 15 December 1999. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
  8. ^ a b "Record cyclone batters northwestern Australia". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Perth, Australia. Associated Press. 16 December 1999. p. A6. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
  9. ^ a b "Australia mops up after super-cyclone". Perth, Australia. Independent Online. 15 December 1999. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
  10. ^ "Historic hotel flooded". Nationwide News Pty Limited. 25 January 2000. (accessed via Lexis Nexis on 1 January 2013)
  11. ^ "$300,000 for windmill loss". The Advertiser. Adelaide. Nationwide News Pty Limited. 23 December 1999. (accessed via Lexis Nexis on 1 January 2013)
  12. ^ "Inquiry into cattle ship". Northern Territory News. Nationwide News Pty Limited. 11 January 2000. (accessed via Lexis Nexis on 1 January 2013)
  13. ^ "Second Quarter Activities Report". Australian Associated Press. 31 January 2000. (accessed via Lexis Nexis on 1 January 2013)
  14. ^ "Stop dreaming of a wet Xmas". Northern Territory News. Nationwide News Pty Limited. 20 December 1999. (accessed via Lexis Nexis on 1 January 2013)
  15. ^ "Cyclone rains hit inland NT". Sunday Territorian. Nationwide News Pty Limited. 19 December 1999. (accessed via Lexis Nexis on 1 January 2013)
  16. ^ RA V Tropical Cyclone Committee (12 December 2012). "List of Tropical Cyclone Names withdrawn from use due to a Cyclone's Negative Impact on one or more countries" (PDF). Tropical Cyclone Operational Plan for the South-East Indian Ocean and the Southern Pacific Ocean 2012 (Report). World Meteorological Organization. pp. 2B-1–2B-4 (23–26). Retrieved 13 February 2013.
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