May crossed the coast in the vicinity of Bayley Pt (south of Mornington Island). It had a central pressure of 990 hPa and a clear radar eye was visible. 44 buildings were damaged by the wind on Mornington Island and the costs of repairs was $(1998) 375,745.

The remnants of May remained about the Southern Gulf country until early March which resulted in extensive flooding. The highest rainfall was recorded at Burketown with 1065 mm recorded over the 7 day period commencing 26 February 1998. Severe flooding to major flood level occurred in the lower reaches of the Nicholson, Albert, Gregory, Leichhardt and lower Flinders Rivers.

The map at the top left displays the impact area (marked by the black line) with the red line illustrating the path of the eye of the cyclone.

Rockhampton Regional Council in partnership with the Queensland a…

Cyclone May track and intensity (BOM)