Cyclone Joy

{{storm path|Joy 1990 track.png}}

In mid-December, a monsoon trough persisted along the west Pacific Ocean, spawning a pair of tropical disturbances both north and south of the equator. In the northwestern Pacific Ocean, the system became Typhoon Russ.{{cite journal|page=2|author=Darwin Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology|volume=9|date=1990|issn=1321-4233|title=December 1990|journal=Darwin Tropical Diagnostic Statement|access-date=2013-11-14|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ntregion/statements/tropical/dtds-199012.pdf|issue=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211203101/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ntregion/statements/tropical/dtds-199012.pdf|archive-date=2013-12-11|url-status=live}} On 15 December, a tropical low formed east of the Solomon Islands. During the next few days, the system passed south of the country while slowly organizing.{{cite journal|title=The South Pacific and Southeast Indian Ocean Tropical Cyclone Season 1990–1991|author=Anthony J. Bannister|volume=42|pages=179|author2=K. J. Smith|date=1993-12-04|journal=Australian Meteorological Magazine|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/amm/docs/1993/bannister.pdf|access-date=2013-11-14|issue=4|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321172120/http://www.bom.gov.au/amm/docs/1993/bannister.pdf|archive-date=2012-03-21|url-status=live}} On 18 December, the Australia Bureau of Meteorology began tracking it, naming the system "Joy" after it upgraded the low to tropical cyclone status.{{cite report|author=Kenneth R. Knapp|author2=Michael C. Kruk|author3=David H. Levinson|author4=Howard J. Diamond|author5=Charles J. Neumann|year=2010|work=The International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS): Unifying tropical cyclone best track data|title=1991 Joy (1990350S11165)|publisher=Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society|access-date=2013-11-14|url={{IBTRACS url|id=1990350S11165}}}} A meteorologist from Darwin later apologised that the name was used so close to Christmas, although "Joy" was predetermined by a rotating list of list of tropical cyclone names.{{cite news|date=1990-12-24|newspaper=Herald Sun|title=Shamed by Joy}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} Also on 18 December, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC){{refn|The Joint Typhoon Warning Center is a joint United States Navy – United States Air Force task force that issues tropical cyclone warnings for the western Pacific Ocean and other regions.|group="nb"}} began issuing warnings on the storm, labeling it as Tropical Cyclone 06P.{{cite report|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|author-link=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|publisher=United States Navy|access-date=2013-11-14|year=1992|title=1991 Annual Tropical Cyclone Report|url=http://www.usno.navy.mil/NOOC/nmfc-ph/RSS/jtwc/atcr/1991atcr.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206153810/http://www.usno.navy.mil/NOOC/nmfc-ph/RSS/jtwc/atcr/1991atcr.pdf|archive-date=2013-12-06|url-status=dead}} With a ridge to the south, Joy continued generally west-southwestward.

While in its origins, Joy was experiencing upper-level wind shear, but as it approached the jet stream while turning to the southwest, conditions became more favourable for intensification. The storm quickly intensified, reaching the equivalent of a minimal hurricane on 21 December. At 00:00 UTC on 23 December, the Bureau estimated Joy reached peak 10-minute sustained winds of {{convert|165|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, which made the system a category 4 severe tropical cyclone on the Australian tropical cyclone intensity scale. Around the same time, the JTWC also estimated the same peak winds, but sustained over one minute. Joy developed an eye about {{convert|50|km|mi|abbr=on}} in diameter with concentric eyewalls.{{cite report|publisher=Green Cross International|date=2011-08-05|author=Jeff Callaghan|title=East Coast Impacts of Tropical Cyclones 1858–2008|access-date=2013-11-15|url=http://hardenup.org/umbraco/customContent/media/1150_EastCoastImpactsofTropicalCyclones_1858-2008.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213231524/http://hardenup.org/umbraco/customContent/media/1150_EastCoastImpactsofTropicalCyclones_1858-2008.pdf|archive-date=2013-12-13|url-status=live}} The storm began moving slowly off the northeast coast of Australia, passing within {{convert|100|km|mi|abbr=on}} of Cairns, and the motion shifted to a southeast drift. A building high pressure area to the south caused the change in movement, and there were initial concerns the storm would loop to the west and affect Cairns again. Drier air caused Joy to weaken gradually from its peak to the equivalent of a strong tropical storm. At 06:00 UTC on 26 December, after turning back to the southwest, the storm made landfall near Townsville, Queensland, with winds estimated at {{convert|95|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. That day, the JTWC discontinued advisories, and on 27 December, Joy dissipated inland over Queensland. A remnant system persisted into early January, producing continued rainfall across Queensland.

Before Joy struck Australia, residents evacuated from resorts on Fitzroy and Green islands by boat or plane. Officials set up evacuation centres on the mainland and put the Australian Army on standby.{{cite news|author=Cathy Johnson |newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald |title=Cyclone Joy Heads Towards Cairns |date=1990-12-24 |url=http://www.cairnsboats.com.au/cairns-boats-articles/1990/12/24/cyclone-joy-heads-towards-cairns/ |access-date=2013-11-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228003525/http://www.cairnsboats.com.au/cairns-boats-articles/1990/12/24/cyclone-joy-heads-towards-cairns/ |archive-date=2013-12-28 }} The military evacuated its fleet of Blackhawk helicopters inland from RAAF Base Townsville.{{cite news|date=1990-12-27|newspaper=The Advertiser|agency=Australian Associated Press|title=Cyclone lurks off Qld coast And bushfires threaten to flare; in NSW}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} A man required rescue from Hope Island by helicopter in advance of the storm.{{cite news|agency=Australian Associated Press|date=1990-12-22|newspaper=The Advertiser|title=Qld braces for cyclone Joy}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} The threat of the storm caused shopping malls and the airport near Cairns to close just before Christmas.{{cite news|date=1990-12-23|newspaper=Sunday Mail|title=North Braced for the Floods of Joy}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} Several flights were diverted or delayed, stranding about 1,000 travellers,{{cite news|date=1990-12-24|newspaper=Courier Mail|title=No Joy for Travellers as Cyclone Approaches}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} many of whom spent Christmas in the airport. Road travel was banned in some areas of northeastern Queensland, and residents in Port Douglas were forced to evacuate.{{cite news|date=1990-12-24|newspaper=The Advertiser|title=Qld in fear as cyclone hovers|author=Paul Whittaker}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} The Flood Warning Centre in Brisbane issued 192 flood warnings related to Cyclone Joy in December and January, beginning on 23 December. Most of the warnings were related to increased water levels along rivers.

File:Cyclone Joy.jpg, in the Whitsunday Region]]

Joy passed within {{convert|80|km|mi|abbr=on}} of Green Island off the coast of Queensland, generating a wind gust of {{convert|180|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. Heavy damage occurred on other islands, and one person drowned while surfing in Mackay. A boat became disabled during the storm, forcing its four occupants to ride out the storm for four days on Cockermouth Island until they were rescued by helicopter.{{cite news|date=1990-12-31|newspaper=Herald Sun|title=Cyclone fishermen found – 'We're lucky to be alive'}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} Several boats were damaged in the Whitsunday Islands.

The storm and its remnants dropped heavy rainfall throughout Queensland for about two weeks, totaling over {{Convert|2|m|ft|abbr=on}} south of Mackay and over {{convert|1|m|ft|abbr=on}} between Bowen and St. Lawrence. The highest daily total was {{convert|458|mm|in|abbr=on}} about {{convert|30|km|mi|abbr=on}} west of Sarina. Three day rainfall totals around when Joy made landfall included {{convert|831|mm|in|abbr=on}} in Blue Mountain and {{convert|506|mm|in|abbr=on}} in Waitara.{{cite report|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |title=Queensland Flood Summary 1990 – 1999 |date=November 2010 |access-date=2013-11-16 |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/flood/fld_history/floodsum_1990.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211203115/http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/flood/fld_history/floodsum_1990.shtml |archive-date=2013-12-11 }} Rainfall continued through the region through March 1991, resulting in the third largest flood in the region in over 100 years.

Overall, Cyclone Joy killed six people, including five in river flooding, and caused about {{AUD}}300 million in damage ($234 million USD).{{refn|The damage total was originally reported in 1990 Australian dollars.{{cite report|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology|title=Floods Associated With Severe Tropical Cyclone Joy|access-date=2013-11-18|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/flood/fld_reports/cyclone_joy_dec1990.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213093416/http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/flood/fld_reports/cyclone_joy_dec1990.pdf|archive-date=2014-02-13|url-status=live}} The exchange rate in 1990 was 1.281 Australian dollars to 1 United States dollar.{{cite web|author=Lawrence H. Officer|title=Exchange Rates Between the United States Dollar and Forty-one Currencies|publisher=MeasuringWorth|year=2014|access-date=2014-03-09|url=http://www.measuringworth.com/datasets/exchangeglobal/result.php?year_source=1990&year_result=1990&countryE%5B%5D=Australia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309201819/http://www.measuringworth.com/datasets/exchangeglobal/result.php?year_source=1990&year_result=1990&countryE%5B%5D=Australia|archive-date=2014-03-09|url-status=live}}|group="nb"}} While stalling off the northeast Australia coast, Joy produced widespread gale force winds, with gusts to {{convert|124|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} recorded at Cairns. After the winds knocked over trees, causing power and phone outages, storm damage cut the water supply and briefly isolated Cairns due to debris blocking roads. An outer rainband struck Mackay as the storm moved ashore, spawning a tornado that damaged 40 houses, destroyed two others, and damaged a caravan park. The windstorm was unexpected there, and damage in Mackay was estimated at {{AUD}}10 million.{{cite news|newspaper=Courier Mail|date=1990-12-29|title=Mackay Cyclone Damage is $10M}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} Flooding from rainfall affected about 90% of the city, which restricted train travel,{{cite news|newspaper=Sunday Mail|date=1990-12-29|title=Soaked City Braces for Increased Floods}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} causing three trains to be canceled and stranding hundreds of travelers.{{cite news|date=1990-12-31|title=Four fisherman found safe as floods maroon Mackay|newspaper=The Canberra Times|access-date=2014-03-02|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122334056?|page=1}} In Port Douglas, Joy produced an inconsequential storm surge of {{convert|0.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}.{{cite report|page=68 |title=Cairns Cyclone History |access-date=2013-11-29 |publisher=Geoscience Australia |url=http://www.ga.gov.au/image_cache/GA4174.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091019082329/http://www.ga.gov.au/image_cache/GA4174.pdf |archive-date=2009-10-19 }} In Innisfail, the cyclone ruined 90% of the town's crops,{{cite news|newspaper=Courier Mail|date=1991-01-02|title=Cyclone Crushes and Creates Crops}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} and over 20 houses sustained wind damage.{{cite news|author=Neale Prior|date=1990-12-26|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|title=Joy's Damage Bill Will Run to Millions, But the Worst Is Over}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} Banana farmers in the Cairns region lost a combined total of 1.2 million bunches of the fruit. Collectively, crop damage totalled over {{AUD}}70 million, mostly to sugar cane and banana.{{cite news|newspaper=Hobart Mercury|agency=Australian Associated Press|date=1991-01-09|title=Joy's crop damage may hit $70m}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} About 30,000 head of livestock were killed in the region.{{cite news|agency=Australian Associated Press|title=Emergency food for flood towns|newspaper=Sunday Mail|date=1991-01-20}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}}

File:Cyclone Joy 25 Dec 1990 2123z.png

Rain from Cyclone Joy caused rampant flooding across the region, significantly raising water levels along 10 rivers.{{cite report|publisher=Australian Emergency Management|title=Flood – Gulf Country 23 December 1990|access-date=2013-11-28|url=http://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=122|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210171134/http://www.emknowledge.gov.au/resource/?id=122|archive-date=10 December 2013}} The Fitzroy River alone swelled to inundate about {{convert|4000|km2|mi2|abbr=on}} of terrain. Heightened discharge caused extensive erosion along river channels that removed about {{convert|18|e6t|ST}} of soil and vegetation.{{cite report|author=G.T. Byron|title=Workshop on the Impacts of Flooding|publisher=Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage|date=1991-09-27|access-date=2013-11-28|url=http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/9796/gbrmpa-ws17.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140212022043/http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/9796/gbrmpa-ws17.pdf|archive-date=2014-02-12|url-status=live}} In late December, the Pioneer River at Mackay peaked at {{convert|7.6|m|ft|abbr=on}}, safely within the confines of its levee system. The town of Giru endured flooding of streets and houses, which would reoccur several times through February. High water levels along the Tully River flooded a portion of the Bruce Highway. In the second week of January, the Herbert River peaked at {{convert|11.32|m|ft|abbr=on}}, causing residential flooding in Ingham. Elsewhere in Australia, moisture from the storm eased ongoing bushfires near Sydney.{{cite news|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|author=Cathy Johnson|date=1991-01-02|title=Extreme Fire Alert for 95% of State}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}}

At Rockhampton, the Fitzroy River rose to an initial peak of {{convert|9.15|m|ft|abbr=on}}, temporarily dropped, and rose to a final peak of {{convert|9.30|m|ft|abbr=on}} in early January 1991, the third highest since records began in 1860, after floods in 1918 and 1954. Inflow from several tributaries ensured the Fitzroy River near Rockhampton remained over {{convert|8|m|ft|abbr=on}} for 13 days. The river entered 350 houses in what was the city's most damaging flood since 1954. The town was isolated for about three weeks after flooding covered roads, railways, and the airport.{{cite report|publisher=Queensland Department of Main Roads |title=Fitzroy River Floodplain and Road Planning Study |date=2009-07-02 |access-date=2013-11-29 |url=http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/464e27ab-e5a1-460c-b218-06262e69b5a2/fitzroyriverfloodplainandroadplanningstudytermsofreference.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110330101637/http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/464e27ab-e5a1-460c-b218-06262e69b5a2/fitzroyriverfloodplainandroadplanningstudytermsofreference.pdf |archive-date=March 30, 2011 }} Before the worst of the flooding, Acting Premier Tom Burns declared a state of disaster for Rockhampton, giving local police the authority to force individuals living in flood zones to leave their homes.{{cite news|newspaper=Courier Mail|author=John Lehmann|date=1991-01-03|title=Evict Powers to Police in Disaster Area}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} Ultimately, over 1,000 people sought higher ground,{{cite news|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|author=Mark Riley|date=1991-01-05|title=1,000 Flee Floods, Worse to Come}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} staying mainly at the houses of friends or relatives, or at nearby schools.{{cite news|date=1991-01-06|title=Rockhampton as ready as it is going to be|newspaper=The Canberra Times|access-date=2014-03-02|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122335410|page=2}} In an attempt to mitigate damage, 150 volunteers filled 43,000 sandbags to protect properties. Nearby, residents rescued about 100 dogs from an affected kennel.{{cite news|newspaper=The Advertiser|agency=Australian Associated Press|date=1991-01-07|title=Floods isolate Rockhampton Evacuations continue as river rises}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}}

Storm-related flooding damaged portions of the Great Barrier Reef through coral bleaching. Over 25 days, the Fitzroy River discharged about {{convert|18|e12L|gal|abbr=off}} of water into Keppel Bay, reaching the Great Barrier Reef in early January and causing a drop in salinity levels. On Great Keppel Island, about 85% of shallow-water reefs died. Reef damage also occurred in the Whitsunday Islands.{{cite journal|author=R. Van Woesikl|author2=L.M. De Vantier|author3=J.S. Glazebrook|title=Effects of Cyclone 'Joy' on nearshore coral communities of the Great Barrier Reef|journal=Marine Ecology Progress Series|volume=128|date=1995-11-23|pages=261–270|access-date=2013-11-15|url=https://www.int-res.com/articles/meps/128/m128p261.pdf|doi=10.3354/meps128261|bibcode=1995MEPS..128..261V|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213000456/http://www.int-res.com/articles/meps/128/m128p261.pdf|archive-date=2013-12-13|url-status=live|doi-access=free}} The discharge from the Fitzroy River affected various islands and coral groups, depending on the offshore wind direction and ocean current. The water flow washed a group of freshwater turtles from the mainland to North West Island, though they were later returned to their native habitat. The influx of freshwater reduced commercial fishing productivity by 30%.

Workers in Cairns had restored power and water supplies within a few days of Joy's passage.{{cite news|newspaper=Herald Sun|date=1990-12-26|title=Joy Danger Holds – Fear of winds doubling back}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} After the initial flooding from Joy ended, there was additional rainfall in February 1991 that caused flooding across the region.{{cite news|date=1991-02-04|title=Man swept away in Qld flooding|newspaper=The Canberra Times|access-date=2014-03-02|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129094136|page=3}} Residual flooding cost the coal industry about {{AUD}}60 million due to loss of production and hindered exporting.{{cite news|newspaper=Courier Mail|date=1991-01-10|title=Coal Output Halved}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} While Rockhampton was still isolated by flooding, a helicopter airdropped food to hundreds of stranded families,{{cite news|newspaper=Courier Mail|date=1990-12-31|title=Food Drops to Stranded Hundreds}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} after the town experienced food and water shortages.{{cite news|author=Mike Seccomb|title=Cost of Joy: $70M and Rising as Rain Keeps Falling|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|date=1991-01-10}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} Transportation to Rockhampton was not normalised until 20 January, when the airport and incoming roads were reopened. The city of Rockhampton later created a flood plain management policy as a result of the effects from Joy.{{cite report|date=2005-08-30 |title=Rockhampton City Plan |publisher=Rockingham City Council |section=Planning Scheme for the City of Rockhampton |access-date=2013-11-29 |url=http://cityplan.rockhampton.qld.gov.au/CityplanFinal/Chapter%206/Planning%20Policy%2014%20-%20Flood%20Plain%20Management.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426082023/http://cityplan.rockhampton.qld.gov.au/CityplanFinal/Chapter%206/Planning%20Policy%2014%20-%20Flood%20Plain%20Management.pdf |archive-date=2012-04-26 }} The floods helped fill the drainage basin of the Peter Faust Dam within a few weeks, speeding up a process which would have otherwise taken several years.{{cite news|date=1991-03-20|title=Cyclone Joy not such an ill wind...|newspaper=The Canberra Times|access-date=2014-03-02|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122350372|page=22}} Months after the storm, the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service collected reports on environmental impacts from the flooding; they included some beneficial aspects such as new locations for animal breeding, and alleviation of drought conditions.{{cite news|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|author=Cathy Johnson|date=1991-01-01|title=Joy Spells Disaster for Rockhampton}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} The Queensland government upgraded a portion of the Bruce Highway near Rockhampton to reduce flooding in similar storms.

Officials declared about a third of the state of Queensland as a disaster area following Cyclone Joy,{{cite news|newspaper=Herald Sun|title=Third of Qld disaster area|date=1991-01-17}} directing state funds toward recovery efforts.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|date=1990-12-25|title=Australian Disaster Zone Declared as Cyclone Weakens}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} The Queensland government provided monetary assistance to eligible families in the disaster zone and offered special loans to farmers affected by the storm. The federal government agreed to contribute 75% of overall relief costs.{{cite news|author=Mark Riley|author2=Peter Hartcher|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|date=1991-01-09|title=Aid Pledged as Looters Strike in Flood Areas}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} Following the cyclone's impacts in Australia, the name Joy was later retired by the World Meteorological Organization.{{RA V Tropical cyclone operational plan}}

{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}

• List of retired Australian cyclone names
• Cyclone Justin—brought severe flooding to Queensland and Papua New Guinea
• Cyclone Aivu—caused considerable damage in areas near Ayr, Queensland
• Cyclone Ita—followed a similar path to Joy, and had a similar satellite presentation at peak intensity

{{Reflist|group=nb}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category}}

• [http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC Joint Typhoon Warning Centre (JTWC)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301105349/http://www.usno.navy.mil/JTWC |date=2010-03-01 }}.
• [http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/cyclone/ Australian Bureau of Meteorology (TCWC's Perth, Darwin & Brisbane)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091112010420/http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/cyclone/ |date=2009-11-12 }}.

{{1990–91 South Pacific cyclone season buttons}}

{{Retired Australian cyclones}}

{{Category 4 Australian region tropical cyclones}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Joy (1990)}}

Category:1990 in Australia

Category:Retired Australian region cyclones

Category:1990–91 South Pacific cyclone season

Category:1990–91 Australian region cyclone season

Category:Category 4 Australian region cyclones

Category:South Pacific tropical depressions