![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Frank_1999-02-19_2032Z.png/640px-Frank_1999-02-19_2032Z.png&w=640&q=50)
Cyclones Rona and Frank
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Severe Tropical Cyclone Rona (JTWC designation: 20P) and Severe Tropical Cyclone Frank (JTWC designation: 22P; RSMC Nadi designation: 16F) were a pair of tropical cyclones that affected Queensland and New Caledonia during the 1998–99 Australian region cyclone season and the 1998–99 South Pacific cyclone season. Rona originated from a low that developed on 9 February about 225 km (140 mi) to the northeast of Cairns. Over the next couple of days, the low slowly developed further before it was upgraded into a Category 1 cyclone on the Australian intensity scale by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology on 10 February as it started to move towards the southwest. Subsequently, Rona rapidly intensified just before making landfall near the Cape York Peninsula. While the low-level circulation became difficult to locate on 12 February, the upper-level circulation eventually emerged into the Coral Sea and later regenerated into Tropical Cyclone Frank. The system rapidly intensified before making landfall on New Caledonia as a Category 2 cyclone on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale in the early morning hours of 20 February. Frank was re-classified as an extratropical cyclone the next day.
![]() Cyclone Frank at peak intensity nearing landfall on New Caledonia on February 19 | |
Meteorological history | |
---|---|
as Severe Tropical Cyclone Rona | |
Formed | February 9, 1999 |
Dissipated | February 12, 1999 |
Category 3 severe tropical cyclone | |
10-minute sustained (Aus) | |
Highest winds | 140 km/h (85 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 970 hPa (mbar); 28.64 inHg |
Tropical storm | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
Highest winds | 100 km/h (65 mph) |
Meteorological history | |
as Severe Tropical Cyclone Frank | |
Formed | February 16, 1999 |
Extratropical | February 21, 1999 |
Dissipated | February 27, 1999 |
Category 3 severe tropical cyclone | |
10-minute sustained (FMS) | |
Highest winds | 150 km/h (90 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 955 hPa (mbar); 28.20 inHg |
Category 2-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
Highest winds | 175 km/h (110 mph) |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 7 |
Damage | $150 million (1999 USD) |
Areas affected | Eastern Australia and New Caledonia |
Part of the 1998–99 Australian region and the South Pacific cyclone seasons |
Seven deaths were reported from Rona and a state of disaster was declared. Over 2,000 fled their homes due to flooding and many residents were caught off-guard for the storm. Significant crop damage was reported. Overall, Rona brought $150 million (1999 USD) in damage to Queensland. Minor damage was reported in New Caledonia. After the season, the name "Rona" was retired from the list of tropical cyclone names.