Просмотр кода страницы Английская Википедия:Cyclone Lua

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{{Short description|Category 3 Australian region tropical cyclone in 2012}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox tropical cyclone
 | Basin             = Aus
 | Year              = 2012
 | Name              = Severe Tropical Cyclone Lua
 | Type              = tropical cyclone
 | Image location    = Lua Mar 17 2012 0220Z.jpg
 | Image name        = Cyclone Lua near landfall on 17 March 
 | Formed            = 12 March 2012
 | Dissipated        = 18 March 2012
 | 1-min winds       = 95
 | 10-min winds      = 85
 | Gusts             = 120
 | Pressure          = 935
 | Damages           = 230
 | Damagespre        = >
 | Fatalities        = None
 | Areas             = [[Western Australia]]
 | Hurricane season  = [[2011–12 Australian region cyclone season]]
}}
'''Severe Tropical Cyclone Lua'''  affected a sparsely populated region of [[Western Australia]] during mid-March 2012. Originating in a broad low pressure area that formed northwest of Australia by 8 March, the storm was plagued by inhibiting [[wind shear]] for the duration of its formative stages. However, it gradually organised, and received the name Lua on 13 March. The cyclone meandered for the first several days of its existence, caught between weak and competing steering currents. After the cyclone drifted northwestward, a building [[ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] of high pressure to the north drove Lua southeastward toward the [[Pilbara]] region. Ultimately intensifying into an upper-end [[Tropical cyclone scales#Australia|Category 3 severe tropical cyclone]] with maximum sustained 10-minute winds of {{convert|155|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, Lua made [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] near the remote community of Pardoo, about {{convert|150|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of [[Port Hedland, Western Australia|Port Hedland]]. It steadily weakened as it progressed south over interior Western Australia, diminishing below tropical cyclone status on 18 March.

The threat of the impending cyclone halted local industries such as oil production and iron ore mining and exporting. The [[Port of Port Hedland]], a highly important iron ore shipping terminal, was forced to close for about 52 hours, contributing to inflated iron ore prices and delayed shipments. Multiple companies suspended work at oil fields and mines throughout the region, cutting national oil production by 25% and iron ore exports by 4.7% versus the previous month. Overall, Lua is attributed to $217&nbsp;million (2012 [[Australian dollar|AUD]]; $230&nbsp;million 2012 [[United States Dollar|USD]]) in lost revenue. Lua produced strong winds and widespread rainfall on land, but damage was limited by the lack of population in the storm's path. The [[List of roadhouses in Western Australia|Pardoo Roadhouse]] bore the brunt of the storm, and damage was reported at several other [[cattle station]]s and homesteads; at these sites, the storm damaged the exteriors of various structures and brought down swaths of trees. Central Western Australia endured several days of record-breaking rainfall and cool weather. The [[Government of Western Australia]] provided disaster relief funds to the hardest-hit areas, and ''Lua'' was later [[List of retired Australian cyclone names|retired]] from the list of tropical cyclone names.

==Meteorological history==
{{storm path|Lua 2012 track.png}}
Cyclone Lua originated in a broad area of disturbed weather that was spawned by a deep [[trough (meteorology)|trough]] of low pressure and enhanced by a [[Madden–Julian oscillation]] pulse.<ref name="bomreport">{{cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/announcements/sevwx/wa/watc20120309.shtml|title=Severe Tropical Cyclone Lua|publisher=Bureau of Meteorology|access-date=22 November 2013}}</ref> The precursor to Lua was first identified through satellite imagery by 8 March 2012, while situated about {{convert|1100|km|mi|abbr=on}} to the north-northwest of [[RAAF Learmonth|Learmonth]].<ref name="start"/> Analysis of the disturbance revealed a diffuse low-level centre of circulation loosely bounded by sporadic, but multiplying, convection.<ref name="start">{{cite web|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean, 8 March 2012 1951z |date=8 March 2012 |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=22 November 2013 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201203090000.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/665qxYGRk?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201203090000.htm |archive-date=11 March 2012 }}</ref> On 9 March, the [[Bureau of Meteorology]]'s (BoM) Tropical Cyclone Warning Center (TCWC) in [[Perth]] recognised the developing system and remarked on the potential for [[tropical cyclone formation]] over the following several days.<ref>{{cite web|author=Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth |title=Tropical Cyclone three-day outlook for the Western Region, 12:47&nbsp;pm WST on Friday the 9th of March 2012 |date=9 March 2012 |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=22 November 2013 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/IDW10800_201203090447.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/665rDvD7L?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/IDW10800_201203090447.htm |archive-date=11 March 2012 }}</ref> The low pressure area meandered for several days, making some progress toward the east, and gradually consolidated.<ref name="ibtracs">{{cite web|author=International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship|title=2012 LUA (2012069S14111)|publisher=University of North Carolina, Asheville|access-date=22 November 2013|url=http://atms.unca.edu/ibtracs/ibtracs_current/browse-ibtracs/index.php?name=v03r05-2012069S14111|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305083130/http://atms.unca.edu/ibtracs/ibtracs_current/browse-ibtracs/index.php?name=v03r05-2012069S14111|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

By 12 March, the system had developed persistent deep [[convection (meteorology)|convection]] over the eastern half of its core and organised [[rainband|banding features]] elsewhere. Moderate vertical [[wind shear]] initially hampered intensification,<ref>{{cite web|title=Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean, 12 March 2012 0752z |date=12 March 2012 |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=22 November 2013 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201203121000.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/667Vui514?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/ABIO10-PGTW_201203121000.htm |archive-date=13 March 2012 }}</ref> though the BoM designated the system Tropical Low ''16U''; at the time, it was centred roughly {{convert|230|km|mi|abbr=on}} northwest of [[Karratha, Western Australia]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth |title=Tropical Cyclone three-day outlook for the Western Region, 12:27&nbsp;pm WST on Friday the 12th of March 2012 |date=12 March 2012 |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=22 November 2013 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/IDW10800_201203120427.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6682hy48x?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/IDW10800_201203120427.htm |archive-date=13 March 2012 }}</ref> At 2300 [[Universal Coordinated Time|UTC]] on 12 March, the [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] (JTWC) issued a [[Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert, 12 March 2012 2300z |date=12 March 2012 |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=22 November 2012 |url=http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtxs22.pgtw..txt |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021130546/http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/wt/wtxs22.pgtw..txt |archive-date=21 October 2011 }}</ref> With increasingly favourable environmental conditions—including warm ocean waters and dwindling wind shear—the low organised significantly between 12 and 13 March, and at 0600 UTC on the 13th, TCWC Perth upgraded the low to Tropical Cyclone ''Lua''.<ref name="lua">{{cite web|author=Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth |title=Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin, 0704z 13/03/2012 |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=22 November 2013 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/AXAU01-APRF_201203130705.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6682mm149?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/AXAU01-APRF_201203130705.htm |archive-date=13 March 2012 }}</ref> Simultaneously, the JTWC issued its first tropical cyclone warning on ''17S''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 17S (Lua) Warning Number 1 |date=13 March 2012 |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=22 November 2013 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS32-PGTW_201203130900.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/669cxfLo5?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS32-PGTW_201203130900.htm |archive-date=14 March 2012 }}</ref> Contrary to real-time operations, the official BoM "best track" database does not list the storm as having attained [[Tropical cyclone scales#Australia|Category 1 tropical cyclone]] intensity until 0000 UTC on 14 March.<ref name="ibtracs"/>

At the time of its designation, Lua was nearly stationary in terms of forward movement, caught in the equilibrium between a blocking [[ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] to the southwest and increasing [[monsoon]]al winds from the northwest.<ref name="lua"/> The ridge began to drive Lua north-northwestward at up to {{convert|20|km/h|mph|abbr=on}},<ref>{{cite web|author=Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth |title=Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin, 0145z 14/03/2012 |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=22 November 2013 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/AXAU01-APRF_201203140145.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/669c8xqzl?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/AXAU01-APRF_201203140145.htm |archive-date=14 March 2012 }}</ref> before the storm resumed its slow pace on 14 March.<ref name="mwr">{{cite web|author=Western Australia Climate Services Centre|title=March 2012 Western Australia Monthly Weather Review|date=24 May 2012|publisher=Bureau of Meteorology|access-date=22 November 2013|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/mwr/wa/mwr-wa-201203.pdf}}</ref> The storm remained relatively disorganised, its strengthening limited by moderate wind shear and dry air entering its centre. Consequently, a large void of thunderstorm activity created a "horseshoe pattern".<ref>{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 17S (Lua) Warning Number 5 |date=14 March 2012 |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=22 November 2013 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS32-PGTW_201203141500.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/66CqRfQPQ?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS32-PGTW_201203141500.htm |archive-date=16 March 2012 }}</ref> Nonetheless, Lua proved resilient, and good outflow helped compensate for the adverse shear.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 17S (Lua) Warning Number 6 |date=14 March 2012 |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=22 November 2013 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS32-PGTW_201203142100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/66CqRZ9jB?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS32-PGTW_201203142100.htm |archive-date=16 March 2012 }}</ref> The southwesterly steering currents weakened, causing the storm to begin its anticipated curve toward the east and east-southeast.<ref>{{cite web|author=Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth |title=Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin, 0104z 15/03/2012 |date=15 March 2012 |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=22 November 2013 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/AXAU01-APRF_201203150104.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/66B7ql7lT?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/AXAU01-APRF_201203150104.htm |archive-date=15 March 2012 }}</ref> According to the JTWC, the storm completed a small loop as a result of competing steering factors. At the same time, the upper levels of the atmosphere became far more conducive to the cyclone's intensification, and the storm's banding pattern tightened.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 17S (Lua) Warning Number 7 |date=14 March 2012 |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=22 November 2013 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS32-PGTW_201203150900.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/66CqRSeUS?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS32-PGTW_201203150900.htm |archive-date=16 March 2012 }}</ref> With a building ridge to its north, Lua accelerated east-southeastward on 15 March,<ref>{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 17S (Lua) Warning Number 8 |date=15 March 2012 |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=22 November 2013 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS32-PGTW_201203152100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/66CqPfils?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS32-PGTW_201203152100.htm |archive-date=16 March 2012 }}</ref> and with wind shear oscillating but generally decreasing, the storm became a Category 3 severe tropical cyclone at 1800 UTC.<ref name="ibtracs"/>

Continuing to intensify, Lua began to exhibit an ill-defined [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] on visible satellite imagery on 16 March. The storm was expansive, producing storm-force winds in a circular area {{convert|850|km|mi|abbr=on}} across.<ref>{{cite web|author=Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth |title=Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin, 0701z 16/03/2012 |date=16 March 2012 |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=22 November 2013 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/AXAU01-APRF_201203160701.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/66E9jUvHD?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/AXAU01-APRF_201203160701.htm |archive-date=17 March 2012 }}</ref> Still, the deepest convection and most favourable outflow was focused away from the eastern semicircle due to persistent light easterly wind shear.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 17S (Lua) Warning Number 9 |date=16 March 2012 |publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |access-date=22 November 2013 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS32-PGTW_201203160900.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/66CqPZaQa?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/WTXS32-PGTW_201203160900.htm |archive-date=16 March 2012 }}</ref> The storm's structure improved throughout the day and into the night,<ref>{{cite web|author=Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth |title=Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin, 1853z 16/03/2012 |date=16 March 2012 |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=22 November 2013 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/AXAU01-APRF_201203161853.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/66E9jIUw2?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/AXAU01-APRF_201203161853.htm |archive-date=17 March 2012 }}</ref> and at 1800 UTC on 16 March, the storm attained its peak 10-minute maximum sustained winds of {{convert|155|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, classifying it as an upper-end Category 3 severe tropical cyclone.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/history/index.shtml|title=Tropical Cyclones|last=Meteorology|first=corporateName=Bureau of|publisher=bom.gov.au|access-date=9 August 2017}}</ref> Early on 17 March, the storm turned due south toward the [[Pilbara]] coast, and the JTWC reported that Lua's peak strength was marked by 1-minute sustained winds of {{convert|175|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, at 0600 UTC.<ref>{{cite web|title=17S.Lua Best Track|format=txt|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|access-date=22 November 2013|url=https://www.nrlmry.navy.mil//tcdat/tc12/SHEM/17S.LUA/trackfile.txt}}</ref> At its deepest, the storm possessed a central barometric pressure of {{convert|935|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}. Lua made [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] near [[Pardoo Station|Pardoo]], about {{convert|150|km|mi|abbr=on}} east-northeast of [[Port Hedland, Western Australia|Port Hedland]], at 0700 UTC while still at peak intensity.<ref name="bomreport"/> The cyclone steadily weakened as it progressed southward,<ref>{{cite web|author=Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth |title=Tropical Cyclone Technical Bulletin, 2109z 17/03/2012 |date=17 March 2012 |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=22 November 2013 |url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/AXAU01-APRF_201203172109.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/66FhX06Ji?url=http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/advisories/AXAU01-APRF_201203172109.htm |archive-date=18 March 2012 }}</ref> tracking directly over the [[Yarrie mine]] before passing about halfway between [[Newman, Western Australia|Newman]] and [[Jigalong]].<ref name="bomreport"/> With little extant convection and a shallow, exposed centre, Lua deteriorated below tropical cyclone status early on 18 March near [[Wiluna, Western Australia|Wiluna]]. The cyclone's remnants later entered the [[Goldfields-Esperance]] region.<ref name="mwr"/>

==Preparations and economic impact==
[[File:16-U Mar 13 2012 0132Z.jpg|thumb|Tropical Low 16U meandering off the Australian coast on 13 March]]
The BoM hoisted its first Cyclone Watch on 14 March for coastal areas between [[Mardie Station]] and [[Cape Leveque]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth |title=Tropical Cyclone Advice Number 1 |date=14 March 2012 |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=22 November 2013 |url=http://dynasmon.fortunecity.com/Perth.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726132921/http://dynasmon.fortunecity.com/Perth.html |archive-date=26 July 2009 }}</ref> A Cyclone Warning was posted the next day for a smaller stretch of coastline within that range.<ref>{{cite web|author=Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth |title=Tropical Cyclone Advice Number 6 |date=15 March 2012 |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=22 November 2013 |url=http://dynasmon.fortunecity.com/Perth.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726132921/http://dynasmon.fortunecity.com/Perth.html |archive-date=26 July 2009 }}</ref> As Lua approached the coastline, the Cyclone Warning was in place from Cape Leveque to [[Dampier, Western Australia|Dampier]]. Communities between [[Bidyadanga Community, Western Australia|Bidyadanga]] and [[Port Hedland, Western Australia|Port Hedland]] were under a Red Alert, the highest level of caution issued by the [[Department of Fire and Emergency Services|Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia]] (FESA). The alert advised included residents to "go to shelter immediately". Localities elsewhere between [[Broome, Western Australia|Broome]] and [[Whim Creek, Western Australia|Whim Creek]] were on Yellow Alert, while a Blue Alert was issued between Whim Creek and Dampier, to the west of the Yellow Alert area.<ref>{{cite web|author=Tropical Cyclone Warning Center Perth |title=Tropical Cyclone Advice Number 26 |date=17 March 2012 |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=22 November 2013 |url=http://dynasmon.fortunecity.com/Perth.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726132921/http://dynasmon.fortunecity.com/Perth.html |archive-date=26 July 2009 }}</ref> Work at multiple oil fields and mining sites was suspended or slowed, with non-essential staff being removed at the sites remaining in operation.<ref name="pilbara"/> It was estimated that national oil production was reduced by about 25% during the storm's approach.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Reuters|title=Northwest Australia takes measures to face cyclone|date=18 March 2012|newspaper=The Taipei Times|access-date=23 November 2013|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2012/03/18/2003528099}}</ref>

Officials of the [[Port of Port Hedland]], an important iron ore exporting terminal, closed and evacuated the port by the morning of 16 March, operating under standard emergency preparedness procedure.<ref>{{cite news|author=Rania Spooner|date=16 March 2012|title=Pilbara miners brace for Cyclone Lua|publisher=WA News|access-date=22 November 2013|url=http://www.watoday.com.au/business/pilbara-miners-brace-for-cyclone-lua-20120316-1v9fz.html}}</ref> Overall, nearly 40 ships in the port were relocated from the port out of the path of the storm.<ref name="wa"/> The [[Dampier, Western Australia#Port|Port of Dampier]] was also closed.<ref name="bloom"/> The Port of Port Hedland reopened to shipping on 18 March, about 52 hours after its closure, with little or no damage reported,<ref>{{cite news|author=Daisy Tseng|title=Iron ore shipping resumes as Port Hedland avoids big hit from cyclone|date=18 March 2012|newspaper=Metal Bulletin}}{{subscription required|work=LexisNexis}}</ref> though the downtime drove iron ore prices up for a time, and reduced exports of the raw material by 4.7% compared to the previous month. In total, Lua cost natural resources companies over $217&nbsp;million (2012 [[Australian dollar|AUD]]; $230&nbsp;million 2012 [[United States Dollar|USD]]) in stunted industry, accounting for nearly all of the monetary losses resulting from the storm.<ref>{{cite news|author=Rania Spooner and Peter Ker|title=Mining recovers after cyclone hit|date=20 March 2012|newspaper=The Melbourne Age}}{{subscription required|work=LexisNexis}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Ginger Ding|title=Iron ore from Port Hedland to China drops in March|date=9 April 2012|newspaper=Metal Bulletin}}{{subscription required|work=LexisNexis}}</ref>

With the destruction wrought by [[Cyclone Laurence]] in 2009 still fresh in their minds, residents, business owners, and farmers worked hurriedly to prepare their properties and livestock for Lua's onslaught.<ref name="pilbara">{{cite news|title=Pilbara residents brace for cyclone Lua|date=16 March 2012|url=http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/pilbara-residents-brace-for-cyclone-lua/story-e6frfku0-1226301760118|publisher=NewsComAu|access-date=22 November 2013|archive-date=17 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317090934/http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/pilbara-residents-brace-for-cyclone-lua/story-e6frfku0-1226301760118|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Horizon Power]] temporarily redirected power supply in the towns of [[Marble Bar, Western Australia|Marble Bar]] and [[Nullagine, Western Australia|Nullagine]] from [[solar power]] stations to diesel generator stations.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jennifer Fry|title=Tropical Cyclone Lua passes Marble Bar and Nullagine and continues towards the Mid-West|date=18 March 2012|publisher=[[Horizon Power]]|access-date=22 November 2013|url=http://www.horizonpower.com.au/news_tropical_cyclone_lua.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213084543/http://horizonpower.com.au/news_tropical_cyclone_lua.html|archive-date=13 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Evacuation shelters were opened to refugees of the storm with no safe living arrangements starting 16 March.<ref name="wa">{{cite news|author=Rania Spooner|date=16 March 2012|title=Cyclone Lua gains strength as it nears WA coast|publisher=WA News|access-date=22 November 2013|url=http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/cyclone-lua-gains-strength-as-it-nears-wa-coast-20120316-1va9f.html}}</ref> About 110 individuals sought shelter at one such location in Nullagine.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Australian Associated Press|title=Pilbara on alert for Cyclone Lua|date=18 March 2012|newspaper=Sunshine Coast Sunday}}{{subscription required|work=LexisNexis}}</ref> As the storm moved inland, flood warnings were posted throughout the [[Kimberley (Western Australia)|Kimberley]] and the Pilbara,<ref name="pilbara"/> where officials closed public access to [[Karijini National Park]].<ref name="wa"/> The impending cyclone forced the closure of the [[Great Northern Highway|Great Northern]] and [[North West Coastal Highway|North West Coast]] highways,<ref name="bloom">{{cite news|author=Joe Schneider|title=Cyclone Lua Batters Western Australian Mining Region|date=17 March 2012|newspaper=Bloomberg Businessweek|access-date=22 November 2013|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-03-16/cyclone-lua-strengthens-heads-toward-australian-coast|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317094706/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-03-16/cyclone-lua-strengthens-heads-toward-australian-coast|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 March 2012}}</ref> while flights to and from several airports were cancelled.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Pilbara braces as Cyclone Lua approaches|date=16 March 2012|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=22 November 2013|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/announcements/sevwx/wa/watc20120309.shtml}}</ref>

==Meteorological effects and aftermath==
[[File:Cyclone Lua microwave March 17 2012.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Microwave-enhanced satellite image of Lua at 0000 UTC on 17 March, at peak intensity; a well-defined centre is visible]]
On coming ashore, Cyclona Lua produced strong winds, gusting to {{convert|150|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} at Port Hedland,<ref name="ln">{{cite news|author=Cortlan Bennett|title=WA:Little damage from scary Cyclone Lua|date=18 March 2012|agency=Australian Associated Press}}{{subscription required|work=LexisNexis}}</ref> and appreciable rainfall, peaking at {{convert|88.6|mm|in|abbr=on}} at Bidyadanga.<ref name="bomreport"/> The precipitation was widespread, affecting a large area of interior Western Australia. The overcast weather led to abnormally cool temperatures, which broke monthly records in portions of the central and eastern Pilbara. For instance, the [[Port Hedland Airport]] recorded a maximum temperature of 24.1&nbsp;°C on 17 March, the coldest March day in the station's history; the previous record of 25.8&nbsp;°C was set 64 years prior. As the remnants of Lua continued poleward, they continued to drop heavy rainfall, including a daily total (19 March) of {{convert|75.0|mm|in|abbr=on}} at [[Edjudina]], setting the record for the wettest March day there.<ref name="mwr"/> A barometer reading of {{convert|939|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}} at [[Rowley Shoals]] represented the lowest observed pressure associated with the storm.<ref name="bomreport"/>

Striking a relatively isolated area, the cyclone's effects were limited, and no fatalities or injuries were reported. Indeed, a FESA official noted that initial reports of damage were "scant".<ref>{{cite news|title=Cyclone hammers small WA community|date=18 March 2012|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}{{subscription required|work=LexisNexis}}</ref> Preliminary assessments suggested that [[List of roadhouses in Western Australia|Pardoo Roadhouse]] and the small surrounding community bore the brunt of the storm, as most towns and farms in the region escaped relatively unscathed.<ref>{{cite news|title=Clean up begins after cyclone Lua hits|date=19 March 2012|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}{{subscription required|work=LexisNexis}}</ref> The manager of the roadhouse relayed that the height of the storm was "absolutely horrific", downing numerous trees and causing some structural damage.<ref name="ln"/> Some destruction was also observed at the [[List of homesteads in Western Australia: X-Z|Yarrie Homestead]],<ref name="bomreport"/> where return to normalcy was expected to take as long as 12 months.<ref name="ln"/> Numerous buildings on the [[List of homesteads in Western Australia: Wa-We|Warrawagine Homestead]] sustained damage such as compromised roofs and doors, which amounted to an estimated $70,000 (2012 AUD; 74,000 2012 USD<ref>{{cite web|title=USD (US Dollars) to AUD (Australian Dollars) exchange rate for March 17, 2012|publisher=Exchange-rates.org|access-date=24 November 2013|url=http://www.exchange-rates.org/Rate/USD/AUD/3-17-2012}}</ref>). Several head of cattle were killed by the storm.<ref name="fury">{{cite news|title=Cyclone Lua's fury also brings welcome rains|date=22 March 2012|publisher=The Western Australia Countryman}}{{subscription required|work=LexisNexis}}</ref> Moderate to major flooding took place in several areas, especially along the [[De Grey River]] drainage basin,<ref>{{cite news|author=Yasmine Phillips|title=Lua Lashes Coast|date=18 March 2012|newspaper=The Sunday Times}}{{subscription required|work=LexisNexis}}</ref> though the rainfall proved beneficial in much of the climatologically dry area.<ref name="fury"/> The above-normal precipitation allowed farmers to get a head-start on planting winter crops.<ref>{{cite news|title=Seeding begins in WA|date=3 April 2012|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}{{subscription required|work=LexisNexis}}</ref>

In the aftermath of the storm, the Western Australia state government allocated relief funds to offset the cost of recovery and clean-up in several of the affected towns. Individuals and families became eligible to apply for personal grants and small business owners would be considered for special interest rates on new loans.<ref>{{cite news|author=[[Attorney-General for Australia]], Nicola Roxon|title=Tropical Cyclone Lua- Affected Western Australia Communities To Receive Disaster Assistance Under Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements|date=24 March 2012|newspaper=Australian Government News}}{{subscription required|work=LexisNexis}}</ref> Local government entities listed under the proclamation were the [[shire]]s of [[Ashburton, Western Australia|Ashburton]], [[Broome, Western Australia|Broome]], [[Shire of East Pilbara|East Pilbara]], [[Meekatharra, Western Australia|Meekatharra]], and the Town of Port Hedland. Disaster assistance money in these jurisdictions would be used to restore public assets and infrastructure impaired by the storm.<ref>{{cite web|author=Department of Fire and Emergency Services|title=2011/12 Wandrra Eligible Disaster Proclamation Notification: Tropical Cyclone Lua and Associated Flooding (17 March 2012)|publisher=Government of Western Australia|access-date=24 November 2013|url=http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/stateemergencymanagement/grantsandrecovery/wandrra/ActivatedEvents/WANDRRA%20_Web_%20Notification%20for%20TC%20Lua%20%20Assoc%20Flooding%20_17%20March%202012.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130424124552/http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/stateemergencymanagement/grantsandrecovery/wandrra/ActivatedEvents/WANDRRA%20_Web_%20Notification%20for%20TC%20Lua%20%20Assoc%20Flooding%20_17%20March%202012.pdf|archive-date=24 April 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> The name ''Lua'' was later [[List of retired Australian cyclone names|retired]] from the cyclical list of tropical cyclone names due to the system's adverse effects on land and was replaced by the name ''Luana''.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=World Meteorological Organization|year=2012|access-date=24 November 2013|title=Tropical Cyclone Operation Plan for the South Pacific and South-East Indian Ocean|url=http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/tcp/documents/TCP24_RAVOpPlan_2012.pdf|format=PDF}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
*[[Cyclone Yasi]], which struck [[Queensland]] in early 2011
*[[Cyclone Laurence]], which struck [[Western Australia]] in late 2009
*Cyclones [[Cyclone Rusty|Rusty]] (2013), [[Cyclone Kelvin|Kelvin]] (2018) and [[Cyclone Ilsa|Ilsa]] (2023), which all made landfall in the same region between Port Hedland and Broome as severe tropical cyclones after Lua
*Cyclones [[Cyclone Gwenda|Gwenda]] (1999) and [[Cyclone Inigo|Inigo]] (2003), tied for the strongest Australian region tropical cyclones on record; both would strike Western Australia after peaking in strength.

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301105349/http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC |date=1 March 2010 }}
* [http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/cyclone/ Australian Bureau of Meteorology (TCWCs Perth, Darwin & Brisbane)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091112010420/http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/cyclone/ |date=12 November 2009 }}
* YouTube footage of Lua's passage: 
** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0c3tyAavvI Pardoo Station, 16 seconds]
** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfeQ08tQwLQ Pardoo Station, 13 seconds]
* [https://archive.today/20131124225626/http://www.3news.co.nz/Cyclone-Lua-causes-heartbreaking-damage/tabid/417/articleID/247181/Default.aspx%23.UpJtb-JsbNA Video report] from ''[[3 News]]''

{{2011–12 Australian region cyclone season buttons}}
{{Retired Australian cyclones}}
{{Category 3 Australian region tropical cyclones}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lua 2012}}
[[Category:Category 3 Australian region cyclones]]
[[Category:2012 in Australia]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in Western Australia]]
[[Category:2011–12 Australian region cyclone season]]
[[Category:Retired Australian region cyclones]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in 2012|Lua]]
[[Category:2010s in Western Australia]]
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