JIM

History

Severe Tropical Cyclone Jim originated in late January 2006 when a broad area of low pressure developed near the Queensland coast following the passage of a monsoonal trough through the region. Northeasterly winds rapidly increased convection, producing heavy rainfall over coastal Queensland as the system slowly organised. The developing low moved little through 26 January before turning northeast in response to a mid-level ridge. On 28 January, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center began monitoring the system, and the Bureau of Meteorology subsequently classified it as a Category 1 cyclone, naming it Jim.

Jim intensified steadily as it tracked east-northeastward, with upper-level outflow improving as the system approached the eastern boundary of the Bureau's warning area. Shortly before crossing 160°E on 30 January, Jim reached its peak intensity as a Severe Tropical Cyclone. The system did not make landfall on the Australian coast, instead tracking out over open ocean. The cyclone's most notable impact during its early development phase was the heavy rainfall it delivered to coastal regions of Queensland, associated with the monsoon trough that helped spawn the system. Jim ultimately moved beyond the Bureau of Meteorology's area of responsibility as it continued its eastward track across the Coral Sea region.

Sources: Bureau of Meteorology report Wikipedia