| Category 2 cyclone (Australian scale) | |
|---|---|
| Tropical storm (SSHS) | |
| Cyclone Craig on 11 March | |
| Formed | 8 March 2003 |
| Dissipated | 12 March 2003 |
| Highest winds | 10-minute sustained: 100 km/h (65 mph) 1-minute sustained: 65 km/h (40 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 976 mbar (hPa; 28.82 inHg) |
| Areas affected | Australia |
| Part of the 2002-03 Australian region cyclone season | |
Cyclone Craig was a moderate tropical cyclone that impacted northern Australia in March 2003. The storm formed on 8 March from an area of disturbed weather that originated in the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf. Intensifying as it tracked eastward, Craig impacted the Northern Territory before entering the Gulf of Carpentaria on 11 March. A disorganized cyclone, the storm came ashore in Queensland the next day and quickly deteriorated. Despite the relatively large area affected, damage was generally minimal and limited to gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and downed trees.
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By 7 March 2003, an area of disturbed weather associated with the monsoon trough developed in the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf and drifted northward as it organized itself. On 8 March, the Bureau of Meteorology in Darwin began to monitor the system. With conditions favorable for continued intensification, the maturing low pressure area completed a clockwise loop to the west of Bathurst Island. At around 0500 UTC on 9 March, the storm had attained tropical cyclone status while situated to the northwest of Cape Fourcroy; as such, it was assigned the name Craig. The storm drifted eastward, then southeastward, strengthening as it did so. On 10 March the storm had entered the Timor Sea, and shortly thereafter, Craig made landfall on the northeastern end of Melville Island with estimated 10-minute sustained winds of 95 km/h (60 mph).[1]
Upon emerging into the Van Diemen Gulf, Tropical Cyclone Craig attained its peak intensity, packing winds of 100 km/h (65 mph; 10-minute sustained) and a minimum barometric pressure reading of 976 mbar.[2] It then struck the Coburg Peninsula and began to slowly deteriorate due to its interaction with land. Skirting eastward along the Northern Territory coast, Craig began to pick up forward speed. At the same time, increasingly strong vertical wind shear took its toll on the cyclone, leading to further weakening. However, it retained tropical cyclone status until reaching the Gulf of Carpentaria late on 11 March.[1]
Once over open waters, the storm system continued to accelerate as it turned southeastward and eventually east-southeastward. Due to relentless wind shear, the storm had difficulty in regaining organization and the circulation structure had become asymmetric. As Craig approached the eastern Gulf of Carpentaria, the apparent center visible on radar continued tracking southeastwards. However, the low-level center slowed and remained stationary for around 12 hours. On 12 March at 0600 UTC, the cyclone made its final landfall, south of Kowanyama. On moving ashore, the storm quickly weakened and slowed. Shortly thereafter, wind shear caused it to dissipate that night.[1]
In advance of the storm, tropical cyclone advisories were declared for communities between Weipa and Mornington Island.[3] The local government of the Tiwi Islands evacuated some residents to shelters.[4] In and around Darwin, certain schools were closed temporarily as a precaution. However, the city and surrounding regions were spared severe conditions.[5]
Damage from the storm was generally insignificant due to the sparse population in the areas affected, and no casualties were reported. At Ramingining, 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain fell in just 24 hours. Storm surge ran 2 to 2.5 m (6.6 to 8.2 ft) on Goulburn Island and the Cobourg Peninsula, while tides were estimated at 1.5 m (4.9 ft) at Nhulunbuy.[6] McCluer Island reported sustained winds of about 75 km/h (47 mph) with gusts up to 96 km/h (60 mph). At Maningrida, following a brief lull, southeasterly winds picked up in intensify, downing numerous trees. Elcho Island recorded 87 km/h (54 mph) gusts, and at Nhulunbuy winds of similar force were reported on 11 March.[1]
Craig inflicted minor damage to small craft in the northwestern Gulf of Carpentaria. Craig impacted, to some extent, the Tiwi Islands, Melville Island, and the Northern Territory; however, its effects along the Queensland coast were minimal. An uprooted tree at Kowanyama damaged one house, and the winds downed several others trees and tree limbs nearby. Throughout the region, roads were cut by the cyclone. Weipa recorded significant wave heights of 3 m (9.8 ft).[1]