The cyclone due to its large size generated large seas and storm surge across wide areas of the Gulf. A barge taking supplies from Karumba to Pormpurraw capsized at the Gilbert River Mouth at 4am (EST) 11 February 2001. The crew of 2 were rescued by a fishing boat. A fisherman was missing near Eagle Bay in the Northern Territory while trying to search for a missing punt. There were large areas of storm surge of between 1 to 2.5 metres at various locations about the southwest Gulf of Carpentaria. Coastal erosion and damage to shoreline facilities were reported from Groote Eylandt, Bickerton Island and along the mainland coast. At Nhulunbuy, the sea level rose 0.5 metres above highest astronomical tide (HAT), covering the Perkins Wharf and inundating areas not previously known to have been covered by the sea. At Alyangula the storm surge reached 1.3 m above highest astronomical tide (HAT). A small boat drifted from its moorings and was lifted ashore on to the Golf course. A car was washed off Shoreline Road and a lot of sand was deposited on the golf course. At Bickerton Island, the storm surge caused some beach and dune erosion, undermining Casuarina trees. At Numbulwar the majority of the estimated $1 million damage bill was caused by the storm surge which was estimated at 2.5m (1 metre above HAT) with about another metre of wave action above that level. Workshops, roads, plant and equipment were damaged and inundated with seawater. Shipping containers and beached boats were shifted inland and the road to the barge landing was damaged. A 2 metre surge was also reported at Bing Bong Port (Port McArthur), raising the water level over the wharf at high tide. Observations: The strongest 10 minute average winds of 130/41 knots were recorded at Centre Island AWS at 1207 UTC 10 February 2001. Gales were reported from Centre Island from 1100 UTC 10 February 2001 to 2023 UTC 10 February 2001. The maximum 10 minute average wind speed recorded at buoy 52625 (-14.6S 138.8E) was 050/30 knots (MSLP 994.4 hPa) at 1909 UTC 10 February 2001.

Rockhampton Regional Council in partnership with the Queensland a…