Cyclone Mahina
Cyclone Mahina was the deadliest cyclone in recorded Australian history, and also potentially the most intense tropical cyclone ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere. Mahina struck Bathurst Bay, Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, on 4 March 1899, and its winds and enormous storm surge combined to kill more than 300 people.
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | Unknown |
| Dissipated | 10 March 1899 |
| Unknown-strength storm | |
| Lowest pressure | 880 hPa (mbar); 25.99 inHg (Lowest recorded pressure in the Southern Hemisphere) |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 307–410 (see casualties) |
| Damage | Unknown |
| Areas affected | Queensland (Far North) |
Part of the Pre-1900 Australian region cyclone seasons | |
While the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, which is the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre of the basin, estimates Mahina's peak central pressure to be 914 hPa (26.99 inHg), the World Meteorological Organization is currently considering an application from Queensland scientists and researchers to have this value upgraded to 880 hPa (25.99 inHg), based on data from post-storm analysis. This would officially make Mahina the most intense cyclone recorded to have hit the Australian mainland, and the most intense tropical cyclone recorded making landfall anywhere in the world, as well as the most intense tropical cyclone ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere, a title currently held by Cyclone Winston. Cyclone Mahina also produced the largest storm surge on record, generating a 13-metre-high (43-foot) surge.