Feature article
Tropical Cyclone Update
Five tropical cyclones so far
Five tropical cyclones have occurred so far this season, which is well below average at this stage. 'Claudia' developed west of New Caledonia at 21°S 157°E on 11 February, and was the first this season to form west of the date line, reaching hurricane force (with estimated maximum sustained winds of about 140 km/h) as it tracked southeast to pass north of Norfolk Island from 12-13 February. A new tropical cyclone, 'Des' developed northwest of New Caledonia near 19°S 161°E on 6 March.