View source for 2001–02 Australian region cyclone season

{{Short description|None}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox tropical cyclone season
 | Basin                    = Aus
 | Year                     = 2002
 | Track                    = 2001-2002 Australian region cyclone season summary.png
 | First storm formed       = 26 October 2001
 | Last storm dissipated    = 29 May 2002
 | Strongest storm name     = [[Cyclone Chris|Chris]]
 | Strongest storm pressure = 915
 | Strongest storm winds    = 110
 | Average wind speed       = 10
 | Total depressions        = 14
 | Total hurricanes         = 10
 | Total intense            = 3
 | Fatalities               = None <!-- 19 missing -->
 | Damages                  = 0.929
<!-- | Inflated             =   unknown parameter -->
 | five seasons             = [[1999–00 Australian region cyclone season|1999–00]], [[2000–01 Australian region cyclone season|2000–01]], '''2001–02''', [[2002–03 Australian region cyclone season|2002–03]], [[2003–04 Australian region cyclone season|2003–04]]
 | South Indian season      = 2001–02 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season
 | South Pacific season     = 2001–02 South Pacific cyclone season
}}
The '''2001–02 Australian region cyclone season''' was a slightly below average [[tropical cyclone]] season. It officially started on 1 November 2001, and ended on 30 April 2002. However, the formation of Tropical Cyclone Alex on 26 October 2001 marked an earlier beginning to the season, and the season extended past the official end of the season when Tropical Cyclone Upia formed on 25 May 2002. The regional tropical cyclone operational plan also defines a "tropical cyclone year" separately from a "tropical cyclone season"; the "tropical cyclone year" began on 1 July 2001 and ended on 30 June 2002. The scope of the Australian region is limited to all areas south of the [[equator]], east of [[90th meridian east|90°E]] and west of [[160th meridian east|160°E]]. This area includes [[Australia]], [[Papua New Guinea]], western parts of the [[Solomon Islands]], [[East Timor]] and southern parts of [[Indonesia]].

Tropical cyclones in this area are monitored by five [[Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre]]s (TCWCs): the [[Bureau of Meteorology (Australia)|Australian Bureau of Meteorology]] in [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]], [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]], and [[Brisbane, Queensland|Brisbane]]; TCWC [[Jakarta]] in [[Indonesia]]; and TCWC [[Port Moresby]] in [[Papua New Guinea]].<ref name="TCOP">{{Cite web |url=http://www.wmo.ch/pages/prog/www/tcp/documents/TCP-24-OP-PLN-2006-edition-english.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=17 May 2008 |archive-date=5 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605210717/http://www.wmo.ch/pages/prog/www/tcp/documents/TCP-24-OP-PLN-2006-edition-english.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] issues unofficial warnings for the region, designating tropical depressions with the "S" suffix when they form west of [[135th meridian east|135°E]], and the "P" suffix when they form east of [[135th meridian east|135°E]].

__TOC__
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==Systems==
<div class="center">
<timeline>
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PlotArea  = top:10 bottom:80 right:20 left:20
Legend    = columns:3 left:30 top:58 columnwidth:270
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DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy
Period   = from:01/10/2001 till:01/07/2002
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  id:C2     value:rgb(0.75,1,0.75)     legend:Category_2_=_89–117_km/h_(55-73_mph)
  id:C3     value:rgb(1,0.85,0.55)     legend:Category_3_=_118–159_km/h_(73-99_mph)
  id:C4     value:rgb(1,0.45,0.54)  legend:Category_4_=_160–199_km/h_(99-124_mph)
  id:C5     value:rgb(0.55,0.46,0.9)  legend:Category_5_=_≥200_km/h_(≥124_mph)

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 barset:Hurricane width:11 align:left fontsize:S shift:(4,-4) anchor:till
  from:26/10/2001 till:31/10/2001 color:C2 text:"Alex (C2)"
  from:07/11/2001 till:13/11/2001 color:TL text:"TL"
  from:17/11/2001 till:22/11/2001 color:TL text:"03S (TL)"
  from:26/11/2001 till:05/12/2001 color:C2 text:"Bessi (C2)"
  from:30/12/2001 till:06/01/2002 color:C2 text:"Bernie (C2)"
  from:02/02/2002 till:06/02/2002 color:C5 text:"[[Cyclone Chris|Chris (C5)]]"
  from:09/02/2002 till:13/02/2002 color:TL text:"TL"
  barset:break
  from:11/02/2002 till:12/02/2002 color:C3 text:"Claudia (C3)"
  from:16/02/2002 till:28/02/2002 color:TL text:"TL"
  from:04/03/2002 till:05/03/2002 color:C1 text:"Des (C1)"
  from:07/04/2002 till:11/04/2002 color:C3 text:"Diane (C3)"
  from:09/04/2002 till:14/04/2002 color:C2 text:"Bonnie (C2)"
  from:09/05/2002 till:15/05/2002 color:C1 text:"Errol (C1)"
  from:26/05/2002 till:29/05/2002 color:C1 text:"Upia (C1)"

 bar:Month width:6 align:center fontsize:S shift:(0,-20) anchor:middle color:canvas
 from:01/10/2001 till:31/10/2001 text:October
 from:01/11/2001 till:30/11/2001 text:November
 from:01/12/2001 till:31/12/2001 text:December
 from:01/01/2002 till:31/01/2002 text:January
 from:01/02/2002 till:28/02/2002 text:February
 from:01/03/2002 till:31/03/2002 text:March
 from:01/04/2002 till:30/04/2002 text:April
 from:01/05/2002 till:01/06/2002 text:May
 from:01/06/2002 till:01/07/2002 text:June

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  pos:(569,23)
  text:"(For further details, please see"
  pos:(713,23)
  text:"[[Tropical_cyclone_scales#Comparisons_across_basins|scales]])"
</timeline>
</div>

===Tropical Cyclone Alex–Andre===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
 | Basin         = Aus
 | Image         = Alex-Andre 2001-10-28 0455Z.jpg
 | Track         = Alex-Andre 2001 track.png
 | Formed        = 26 October
 | Dissipated    = 28 October <small>([[2001–02 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season#Severe Tropical Storm Alex–Andre|Exited basin]])</small>
 | 10-min winds  = 50
 | 1-min winds   = 55
 | Pressure      = 984
}}
Tropical Cyclone Alex began on 24 October 2001 when the [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] (JTWC) noted an area of [[convection]] developing southwest of [[Sumatra]] and north of [[Cocos (Keeling) Islands]]. On 25 October, the JTWC relocated the disturbance further west as it became better organised. The JTWC issued a [[Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert]] on the tropical low later that day. On 26 October, the [[Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre]] in [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]] issued a gale warning on the system, forecasting further development. Three hours later, TCWC Perth upgraded the low to Tropical Cyclone Alex {{convert|555|km|mi|abbr=on}} northwest of Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The JTWC followed suit, upgrading the low to tropical cyclone status in its first advisory. It moved slowly westward while upper-level [[wind shear]] prevented the storm from intensifying. However, late on 27 October, the storm's deep convection had become better organised and Perth raised Alex's peak winds to {{convert|95|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. Alex continued to move to the west-southwest, steered by a mid-level [[ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] to the southeast. Alex moved west of [[90th meridian east|90°E]] into [[La Réunion]]'s area of responsibility early on 28 October and was renamed Severe Tropical Storm ''Andre'' by [[Mauritius]]. Alex-Andre at this time reached its peak intensity, with [[Météo-France]] estimating 10-min sustained winds to be 55&nbsp;[[knot (unit)|kn]], while the JTWC estimated 1-min sustained winds to be 55&nbsp;kn as well; see [[2001–02 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season]].<ref name="OctoberASW">{{cite web| url=http://www.australiansevereweather.com/cyclones/2002/summ0110.htm| title=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary October 2001| accessdate=21 July 2007| author=Gary Padgett|date=October 2001}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

===Tropical Low 03S===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
 | Basin         = Aus
 | Image         = 03S Nov 20 2001 0140Z.jpg
 | Track         = 3-S 2001 track.png
 | Formed        = 17 November
 | Dissipated    = 22 November
 | Type1         = low
 | 1-min winds   = 35
 | Pressure      = 997
}}
A monsoon trough present near the [[equator]] spawned a low near eastern [[New Guinea]]. The system tracked westward at a very low latitude. Convection rapidly built around the system because of its position near the axis of the ridge and the low vertical wind shear in the environment. The storm was mentioned by TCWC Darwin in the daily Tropical Weather Outlook on 15 November and given a low to moderate chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within 72&nbsp;hours.<ref name="NovemberASW"/> On 17 November, tropical depression formed near southern Papua New Guinea.

By the 19th conditions were less favourable, and the JTWC indicated that convection was sheared to the west of the well-defined, yet weak, circulation centre. Up to this point, Darwin and JTWC were in agreement regarding the system's strength and its potential for development. However, JTWC issued their first Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert on 21 November, placing the system's center about 200&nbsp;nm east-northeast of [[Timor]]. At 0600 UTC they upgraded the low to a weak tropical cyclone and issued their first warning. JTWC forecast slight strengthening which did not materialise. They issued their second and final warning at 1800 UTC.<ref name="NovemberASW"/> In their final best track, JTWC held the estimated tropical cyclone-strength intensity through the next day.<ref name="jtwc03S">{{cite web| author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center| year=2002| title=Best Track for Cyclone 03S| accessdate=19 July 2008| url=http://www.usno.navy.mil/NOOC/nmfc-ph/RSS/jtwc/best_tracks/2002/2002s-bsh/bsh032002.txt}}</ref> Though the system was overland for some time, the damage it caused is unknown.
{{Clear}}

===Tropical Cyclone Bessi–Bako===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
 | Basin         = Aus
 | Image         = Bessi 2001-11-28 0410Z.jpg
 | Track         = Bessi-Bako 2001 track.png
 | Formed        = 26 November
 | Dissipated    = 30 November <small>([[2001–02 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season#Tropical Cyclone Bessi–Bako|Exited basin]])</small>
 | 10-min winds  = 55
 | 1-min winds   = 55
 | Pressure      = 980
}}
An area of [[convection]] developed on 25 November 2001 southwest of [[Sumatra]]. The [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] (JTWC) issued a [[Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert]] (TCFA) on 26 November when the low continued to become better organised. At the same time, the [[Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre]] in [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]] began releasing gale warnings for the storm, anticipating further development. Moderate [[wind shear]] prevented the low from intensifying, which made it necessary for the JTWC to issue another TCFA on 27 November. Shortly after, the JTWC issued their first warning on the storm, designating it 05S, while Perth upgraded the cyclone to Tropical Cyclone Bessi. At this time, the cyclone was located about {{convert|650|km|mi|abbr=on}} northwest of [[Cocos (Keeling) Islands]]. Bessi was initially moving westwards, but turned to the south as a mid-level [[trough (meteorology)|trough]] weakened the subtropical [[ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] which was steering the cyclone westwards. Bessi reached its first peak intensity of {{convert|110|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} on 28 November while located {{convert|695|km|mi|abbr=on}} west-northwest of Cocos Islands. It weakened thereafter as it moved into an area of high vertical [[wind shear]]. Bessi moved to the south-southeast on 29 November, then curved to the west on 30 November while weakening to {{convert|75|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. It moved west of [[90th meridian east|90°E]], entering [[La Réunion]]'s area of responsibility, and was renamed Tropical Storm ''Bako''. Cyclone Bessi-Bako later reached its peak intensity of 65&nbsp;knots as estimated by [[Météo-France]]; see [[2001–02 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season]].<ref name="NovemberASW"/>
{{Clear}}

===Tropical Cyclone Bernie===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
 | Basin         = Aus
 | Image         = Bernie 2002-01-04 0115Z.jpg 
 | Track         = Bernie 2002 track.png
 | Formed        = 30 December
 | Dissipated    = 6 January
 | 10-min winds  = 50
 | 1-min winds   = 45
 | Pressure      = 980
}}
A weak tropical low developed in the [[Gulf of Carpentaria]] northeast of [[Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory]] on 30 December.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ibtracs.unca.edu/index.php?name=v04r00-2001365S12138|title = IBTrACS - International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship}}</ref> It moved slowly to the south and intensified to Tropical Cyclone Bernie on 3 January. It peaked in intensity early the next day as a [[Tropical cyclone scales#Australia|Category 2]] cyclone,<ref name="BOM-Jan2002">{{cite web | title=SIGNIFICANT WEATHER - January 2002 | url=http://www.bom.gov.au/inside/services_policy/public/sigwxsum/sigw0102.shtml | publisher=[[Bureau of Meteorology (Australia)]] | accessdate=22 May 2007}}</ref> with wind gusts reaching {{convert|130|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web | title=Gale force winds predicted as Cyclone Bernie strengthens | date=4 January 2002 | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200201/s451991.htm | publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | accessdate=22 May 2007 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Bernie was moving to the southwest and started to weaken, before crossing the coast near the borderline between [[Queensland]] and [[Northern Territory]] early on 5 January as a Category&nbsp;1 cyclone. It weakened to a rain depression shortly after<ref>{{cite web | title=Cyclone Bernie threat downgraded | date=5 January 2002 | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200201/s452680.htm | publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | accessdate=22 May 2007 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> and continued to move southwards into the [[Barkly Tableland|Barkly]] district on 6 January.<ref name="BOM-Jan2002"/>

Early on 4 January, Bernie was close to making landfall over [[Mornington Island]], and cyclone warnings were declared between the Northern Territory border and [[Kowanyama, Queensland|Kowanyama]] in Queensland.<ref>{{cite web | title=Winds increase as Cyclone Bernie heads for coast | date=4 January 2002 | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200201/s452077.htm | publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | accessdate=22 May 2007 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> However, the cyclone warnings were shifted to the west later in the day for areas between Port McArthur in the Northern Territory and the [[Gilbert-Einasleigh River]] mouth in Queensland.<ref>{{cite web | title=Cyclone draws nearer to coastal communities | date=4 January 2002 | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200201/s452496.htm | publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | accessdate=22 May 2007 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> As the cyclone neared the island, many residents in Mornington Island were moved to a more secure shelter. A few hours later, residents between Port McArthur and [[Karumba, Queensland]] were warned of a dangerous [[storm surge]] associated with Bernie.<ref>{{cite web | title=Disaster centre ready as cyclone makes approach | date=4 January 2002 | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200201/s452545.htm | publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | accessdate=22 May 2007 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Mornington Island recorded more than {{convert|300|mm|in|abbr=on}} of precipitation in a 24‑hour period and experienced gusts of {{convert|100|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web | title=Coastal communities prepare for Cyclone Bernie | date=4 January 2002 | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200201/s452265.htm | publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | accessdate=22 May 2007 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> A few houses in the island lost power.<ref name="ABCNews-fire">{{cite web | title=Fire still a worry despite Bernie's appearance | date=8 January 2002 | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200201/s454202.htm | publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | accessdate=22 May 2007 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> However, only light damages occurred, and there were no casualties on the island.<ref>{{cite web | title=Cyclone Bernie passes quietly over Australian coastline | date=5 January 2002 | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200201/s452658.htm | publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | accessdate=22 May 2007 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The town of Karumba also experienced heavy damage, with the storm surge damaging the beach.<ref>{{cite web | title=Cyclone hit Karumba, Mornington Is hardest | date=9 January 2002 | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200201/s455037.htm | publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | accessdate=22 May 2007 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The towns [[Burketown, Queensland|Burketown]] and [[Doomadgee, Queensland|Doomadgee]] in Queensland were isolated for two weeks due to flooded roads.<ref>{{cite web | title=Residents continue to clean up after cyclone | date=7 January 2002 | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200201/s453710.htm | publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | accessdate=22 May 2007 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Pastoralists in the Gulf country were anticipating high rainfall from Bernie, but only received low rainfall.<ref>{{cite web | title=Cyclone Bernie a fizzer for Qld | date=7 January 2002 | url=http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/stories/s453545.htm | publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | accessdate=22 May 2007}}</ref> Further south in [[Roma, Queensland]], the rains helped lift up the prices in the cattle market.<ref>{{cite web | title=Lift in QLD cattle prices with the rain | date=6 February 2002 | url=http://www.abc.net.au/rural/nt/stories/s778452.htm | publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | accessdate=22 May 2007}}</ref> People in inland areas of the Gulf country were hit by [[Bushfires in Australia|bushfires]] in November and December 2001 and were anticipating the arrival of Bernie, hoping that it will bring rain to extinguish the fires.<ref>{{cite web | title=NT bushfires destroy 6,500&nbsp;km² of farmland | date=4 January 2002 | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200201/s452071.htm | publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | accessdate=22 May 2007 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> However, Bernie delivered very little rain to the area.<ref name="ABCNews-fire"/>
{{Clear}}

===Severe Tropical Cyclone Chris===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
 | Basin         = Aus
 | Image         = Chris 2002-02-05 Terra.jpg
 | Track         = Chris 2002 track.png
 | Formed        = 2 February
 | Dissipated    = 6 February
 | 10-min winds  = 110
 | 1-min winds   = 125
 | Pressure      = 915
}}
{{main|Cyclone Chris}}
Severe Tropical Cyclone Chris developed on 2 February off the north [[Western Australia]] coast. The storm peaked with {{convert|230|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} winds before making landfall to the east of [[Port Hedland, Western Australia]] and dissipated overland on 6 February. Chris was responsible for some inland flooding.
{{Clear}}

===Severe Tropical Cyclone Claudia===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
 | Basin         = Aus
 | Image         = Claudia Feb 11 2002 2340Z.jpg
 | Track         = Claudia 2002 track.png
 | Formed        = 11 February
 | Dissipated    = 12 February <small>([[2001–02 South Pacific cyclone season#Severe Tropical Cyclone Claudia|Exited basin]])</small>
 | 10-min winds  = 70
 | 1-min winds   = 75
 | Pressure      = 965
}}
The origins of Claudia came from an area of [[convection]] which formed {{convert|1020|km|mi|abbr=on}} east-southeast of [[Port Moresby]], [[Papua New Guinea]] on 9 February 2002. The system did not develop further until on 11 February where it began to develop rapidly. The [[Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre]] (TCWC) in [[Brisbane]] identified the storm as a tropical low {{convert|990|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of [[Townsville, Queensland]], while the [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] (JTWC) issued a [[Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert]] for the system. A couple hours later, the low was upgraded to Tropical Cyclone Claudia by TCWC Brisbane, while the JTWC also upgraded the storm to tropical cyclone status, designating it as Tropical Cyclone 14P. Later that day, the JTWC upped Claudia's peak winds to {{convert|120|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, after a well-defined [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] was spotted in infrared imagery. The very small cyclone was moving southeastwards and continued to [[rapid deepening|rapidly intensify]] due to good [[outflow (meteorology)|outflow]]. Early on 12 February, TCWC Brisbane upgraded Claudia to a [[Tropical cyclone scales#Australia|Category 3]] severe tropical cyclone, with estimated peak winds of {{convert|120|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, while the JTWC estimated peak winds of {{convert|140|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. Claudia was moving quickly to the southeast towards [[Fiji]]'s area of responsibility and TCWC Brisbane its last warning for Claudia later that day when it moved east of [[160th meridian east|160°E]] out of TCWC Brisbane's area of responsibility; see [[2001–02 South Pacific cyclone season]].<ref name="FebruaryASW"/>
{{clear}}

===Tropical Cyclone Des===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
 | Basin         = Aus
 | Image         = Des 2002-03-06 2305Z.jpg
 | Track         = Des 2002 track.png
 | Formed        = 4 March
 | Dissipated    = 7 March
 | 10-min winds  = 45
 | 1-min winds   = 45
 | Pressure      = 998
}}
Tropical Cyclone Des originated from an area of [[convection]] which formed on 3 March {{convert|835|km|mi|abbr=on}} east-southeast of [[Port Moresby]], [[Papua New Guinea]]. Late on 4 March, the [[Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre]] (TCWC) in [[Brisbane]] initiated warnings for the tropical low as the system's convection deepened. The [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] (JTWC) issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert for the storm, and later upgraded it to Tropical Cyclone 17P at 0600 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]] on 5 March. The cyclone was moving to the east-southeast, steered by a low to mid-level [[ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] east of the storm. Favourable conditions and good [[outflow (meteorology)|outflow]] enabled the cyclone to strengthen, and TCWC Brisbane upgraded it to Tropical Cyclone Des at 0900 UTC on the same day with peak winds of {{convert|75|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. At the time of upgrade, Des was located only {{convert|55|km|mi|abbr=on}} west of [[160th meridian east|160°E]], near the border between Brisbane's and Nadi's respective areas of responsibility. Warnings were issued by RSMC Nadi thereafter as the cyclone continued to move to the southeast; see [[2001–02 South Pacific cyclone season]].<ref name="MarchASW">{{cite web | author=Gary Padgett | year=2002 | title=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary March 2002 | url=http://www.australiansevereweather.com/cyclones/2002/summ0203.htm | accessdate=3 May 2008}}</ref>
{{clear}}

===Severe Tropical Cyclone Dianne–Jery===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
 | Basin         = Aus
 | Image         = Jery Apr 8 2002 0440Z.jpg
 | Track         = Dianne-Jery 2002 track.png
 | Formed        = 7 April
 | Dissipated    = 9 April ([[2001–02 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season#Tropical Cyclone Dianne–Jery|Exited basin]])
 | 10-min winds  = 80
 | 1-min winds   = 90
 | Pressure      = 955
}}
Cyclone Dianne formed after a long period of cyclone inactivity off northwestern Australia and in the Southeast Indian Ocean since Cyclone Chris in early February. On 4 April 2002 an area of [[convection]] developed {{convert|350|km|mi|abbr=on}} northeast of [[Cocos (Keeling) Islands]]. The system intensified under favourable conditions and [[outflow (meteorology)|outflow]] improved over the storm. The [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] (JTWC) issued a [[Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert]] on 6 April for the system, and upgraded it to Tropical Cyclone 21S on 7 April, when convection deepened rapidly over the storm. It moved west-southwestward, influenced by a mid-level ridge which extended from the [[Australia]]n west coast.<ref name="AprilASW">{{cite web | author=Gary Padgett | year=2002 | title=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary April 2002 | url=http://www.australiansevereweather.com/cyclones/2002/summ0204.htm | accessdate=3 May 2008}}</ref> As the cyclone edged closer to the Cocos Islands, a cyclone warning was issued by the [[Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre]] in [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]] for possible gale-force winds developing over the islands.<ref name="BOM-WASeasonSummary">{{cite web | title=WA Tropical Cyclone Season Summary 2001–02 | url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/history/wa/2002.shtml| publisher=[[Bureau of Meteorology (Australia)]] | accessdate=25 May 2007}}</ref> TCWC Perth issued its first gale warning for the developing cyclone at 0300 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]] on 7 April, and upgraded it to Tropical Cyclone Dianne just two hours later with peak winds of {{convert|85|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref name="AprilASW"/> Although Dianne passed about 30&nbsp;km south of the islands, no gale-force winds were reported there.<ref name="BOM-WASeasonSummary"/> Dianne moved away from the Cocos Islands, and intensified further, developing a banding [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] feature. Early on 8 April, the JTWC upgraded Dianne from tropical storm to tropical cyclone status with peak winds of {{convert|120|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, equivalent to a minimal hurricane. Later that day, TCWC Perth followed suit, upgrading Dianne to a [[Tropical cyclone scales#Australia|Category 3]] severe tropical cyclone with peak winds of {{convert|140|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. Dianne continued moving to the west-southwest and crossed the boundary at [[90th meridian east|90°E]] into [[La Réunion]]'s area of responsibility and was renamed Tropical Cyclone Jery by the Mauritius Meteorological Service; see [[2001–02 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season]].<ref name="AprilASW"/>
{{clear}}

===Tropical Cyclone Bonnie===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
 | Basin         = Aus
 | Image         = Bonnie 2002-04-12 0235Z.jpg 
 | Track         = Bonnie 2002 track.png
 | Formed        = 9 April
 | Dissipated    = 14 April
 | 10-min winds  = 50
 | 1-min winds   = 50
 | Pressure      = 985
}}
An area of [[convection]] formed {{convert|600|km|mi|abbr=on}} northeast of [[Darwin, Northern Territory]] on 7 April. An increase in deep convection occurred late on 9 April, with the [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] (JTWC) issuing a [[Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert]] for the developing system. At this time, the [[Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre]] (TCWC) in Darwin initiated gale warnings for the tropical low, but it was upgraded to Tropical Cyclone Bonnie six hours later, {{convert|240|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of [[Timor]]. Bonnie was moving west-southwestwards and made [[landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] on the Timorese coast on 10 April. The cyclone entered TCWC [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]]'s area of warning responsibility as it moved west of [[125th meridian east|125°E]]. Land interaction inhibited the storm from developing, but the cyclone later moved into the [[Savu Sea]] where good [[outflow (meteorology)|outflow]] enabled the storm to strengthen. Bonnie later moved over the south coast of [[Sumba]] on 11 April where the land mass weakened the storm again. After moving over water for the second time on 12 April, TCWC Perth and the JTWC increased Bonnie's peak winds to {{convert|95|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. Bonnie continued to move west-southwestwards but the storm began to slowly weaken as its deep convection decreased and interacted with the island of [[Java]]. TCWC Perth issued its last gale warning on Bonnie late on 14 April. The JTWC continued to issue advisories on the low until late on 15 April {{convert|465|km|mi|abbr=on}} south-southeast of [[Cocos (Keeling) Islands]].<ref name="AprilASW"/>

Bonnie caused heavy rainfall and gusty winds in Timor and Sumba. [[Flash flooding]] in Sumba killed 19&nbsp;people. Bonnie also caused a moist northeast wind flow that triggered above average rainfall to northern [[Western Australia]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Climate of 2002 - April - Global Regional Analysis: Australia and Indonesia|url=http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/2002/apr/global-regional.html#Aussie|publisher=[[National Climatic Data Center]]|accessdate=11 May 2008}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

===Tropical Cyclone Errol===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
 | Basin         = Aus
 | Image         = Errol 2002-09-09 0355Z.jpg
 | Track         = Errol 2002 track.png
 | Formed        = 9 May
 | Dissipated    = 15 May
 | 10-min winds  = 35
 | 1-min winds   = 45
 | Pressure      = 995
}}
Briefly attained tropical cyclone intensity 9–10 May north of Cocos Islands, and later passed to their east on 15 May as a weak tropical low.<ref name="TCErrol">{{cite report|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology|title=Tropical Cyclone Errol|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/history/pdf/errol.pdf|access-date=26 May 2022}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

===Tropical Cyclone Upia===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
 | Basin         = Aus
 | WarningCenter = PNG
 | Image         = Upia May 27 2002 0025Z.jpg
 | Track         = Upia 2002 track.png
 | Formed        = 26 May
 | Dissipated    = 29 May
 | 10-min winds  = 40
 | 1-min winds   = 35
 | Pressure      = 990
}}

On 23 May a mass of convection north of [[Bougainville Island]] developed a well-defined mid-level circulation and broad low-level circulation. The center remained partially exposed for two more days until JTWC issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert, placing the center about 100&nbsp;nm south of the island. On 25 May, the storm was upgraded by the unofficial agency to Tropical Cyclone 25P. The waters around Papua New Guinea were part of the limited area of responsibility of TCWC [[Port Moresby]]. When the cyclone was located near [[Milne Bay Province|Eastern Milne Bay Province]] they named the tropical cyclone ''Upia''. Upia was the first system named by the TCWC at Port Moresby since Tropical Cyclone Adel in May 1993.<ref name="MayASW">{{cite web| url=http://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2002/summ0205.htm| title=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary May 2002| accessdate=21 July 2008| author=Gary Padgett|date=May 2002}}</ref>

That night and into the early hours of the 27th, the storm caused havoc on Budibudi Island. All [[Coconut|coconut trees]] – including those on adjacent islands – were flattened. Food crops on a nearby island used for agriculture were ruined by the surges. Several buildings were destroyed by Upia, although no fatalities were reported.<ref name="WMOfinalreport">
{{cite web|url=http://www.wmo.ch/pages/prog/www/TCP_vO/Reports/RA5_TCC10.pdf |title=Regional Association V Tropical Cyclone Committee for the South Pacific and South-East Indian Ocean |accessdate=17 May 2008 |pages=53–54 |publisher=[[World Meteorological Organization]] |year=2004 }}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The cyclone remained quasi-stationary for many hours until it began drifting south-southeastward. Port Moresby increased their intensity estimates for the system, reporting peak winds at {{convert|65|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} while JTWC estimated the system was considerably weaker. On 28 May JTWC issued their final warning on the system. Port Moresby issued their last warning that day as well. The system was downgraded to an ex-tropical cyclone by TCWC Brisbane when it drifted toward their region.<ref name="MayASW"/>
{{Clear}}

===Other systems===
A weak disturbance originated just west of [[Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre|TCWC]] Perth's area of responsibility about 625&nbsp;nm west-northwest of [[Cocos (Keeling) Islands|Cocos Islands]] on 7 November. Over the next few days, it moved slowly east-southeastward towards Cocos. Perth issued gale warnings on 10 November in anticipation of tropical cyclone development. However, when the system failed to develop, the final warning was issued that day at 2200 UTC. Joint Typhoon Warning Center never issued warnings for the system, but did issue at Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert on 9 November. The [[Bureau of Meteorology (Australia)|Bureau of Meteorology]] continued mentioning the system in their Tropical Cyclone Outlooks.<ref name="NovTracks">{{cite web| url=http://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2002/trak0111.htm| title=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Tracks November 2001| accessdate=19 July 2008| author=Gary Padgett|date=November 2001}}</ref> The system drifted back westward and was last mentioned on 13 November when it was about 500&nbsp;nm from Cocos Islands.<ref name="NovemberASW">{{cite web| url=http://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2002/summ0111.htm| title=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary November 2001| accessdate=21 July 2007| author=Gary Padgett|date=November 2001}}</ref>

By 9 February a monsoon low had formed inland about 220&nbsp;kilometers southwest of [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]]. This system drifted eastward over land, reaching the shoreline on the Gulf of Carpentaria on 13 February. TCWC Darwin anticipated tropical cyclone development for the system, and had issued Tropical Cyclone Advices for this system on 12 February and 13 February. However, development failed to materialize.<ref name="FebruaryASW">{{cite web| url=http://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/2002/summ0202.htm| title=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary February 2002| accessdate=20 July 2008| author=Gary Padgett|date=February 2002}}</ref> The monsoon low in conjunction with the active trough over Northern Territory produced floods in several of the area's river systems. Major flooding in the [[Wickham River]] tributary caused moderate flooding in the [[Victoria River (Northern Territory)|Victoria River]]. The Waterhouse River began rising on 12 February, forcing 500&nbsp;people to evacuate. [[Katherine, Northern Territory|Katherine]] was threatened, but did not flood when the [[Katherine River]] rose to a peak of 17.03&nbsp;metres on 14 February.<ref name="WeatherFeb2002">{{cite web| url=http://www.bom.gov.au/inside/services_policy/public/sigwxsum/sigw0202.shtml| title=Significant Weather - February 2002| accessdate=20 July 2008| publisher=[[Bureau of Meteorology (Australia)]]|date=February 2002}}</ref>

A tropical low formed in the southern [[Gulf of Carpentaria]] on 16 February east-northeast of [[Mornington Island]]. The low moved westwards and made landfall in the [[Northern Territory]] the next day. [[Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre]] in [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] continued to track the monsoon low as it moved slowly westward across the southern portion of the territory. On 21 February, the Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre in [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]] began referring to a low in the [[Kimberley (Western Australia)|Kimberley]] region of [[Western Australia]] {{convert|640|km|mi|abbr=on}} southwest of Darwin. It is likely that this low was a continuation of the low that formed in the Gulf of Carpentaria, though TCWC Perth did not explicitly state this. The low remained inland as it continued to move westwards into the eastern [[Pilbara]] and finally dissipated on 28 February.<ref name="FebruaryASW"/> Heavy rainfall caused the water level in the [[Fitzroy River (Western Australia)|Fitzroy River]] to rise to near-record levels, with daily rainfall totals exceeding 100&nbsp;mm. Many towns and communities, including [[Kununurra, Western Australia|Kununurra]], were isolated by floodwaters, and several Aboriginal communities were evacuated. Significant stock losses occurred in the area. Bonney Downs in the Pilbara recorded a daily rainfall total of 229&nbsp;mm on 27 February.<ref name="WeatherFeb2002"/>

== Storm names ==
'''TCWC Perth'''
* Alex
* Bessi
* Chris
* Dianne
* Errol

'''TCWC Darwin'''
* Bonnie

'''TCWC Brisbane'''
* Bernie
* Claudia
* Des

==Season effects==
This is a table of all of the storms that have formed in the 2001–02 Australian region cyclone season. It includes their duration, names, landfall(s)–denoted by bold location names&nbsp;– damages, and death totals. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical, a wave, or a low, and all of the damage figures are in 2002&nbsp;AUD and USD.

{{Pacific areas affected (Top)}}
|-
| Alex || {{sort|1026|26&nbsp;– 31 October}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A2}}|Category 2 tropical cyclone || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A2}}|{{convert|50|kn|km/h mph|round=5|order=out|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A2}}|{{Sort|0984|{{convert|984|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}}} || None || None || None ||
|-
| Low || {{sort|1107|7&nbsp;– 13 November}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|TD}}|Tropical Low || bgcolor=#{{storm color|TD}}|{{Sort|055|{{convert|55|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|TD}}|{{Sort|0998|{{convert|998|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}}} || None || None || None ||
|-
| 03S || {{sort|1117|17&nbsp;– 22 November}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|TD}}|Tropical Low || bgcolor=#{{storm color|TL}}|{{Sort|000|Not Specified}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|TL}}|{{Sort|1010|Not Specified}} || Indonesia, Queensland || None || None ||
|-
| Bessi&nbsp;– Bako || {{sort|20011126|26 November&nbsp;– 5 December}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A2}}|Category 2 tropical cyclone || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A2}}|{{convert|55|kn|km/h mph|round=5|order=out|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A2}}|{{convert|980|hPa|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4|sortable=on}} || None || {{sort|0|None}} || {{sort|0|None}} ||<ref>{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone Bessi|date=11 June 2009|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/history/pdf/bessi.pdf|access-date=31 May 2022}}</ref>
|-
| Bernie || {{sort|1230|30 December&nbsp;– 6 January}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A2}}|Category 2 tropical cyclone || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A2}}|{{convert|50|kn|km/h mph|round=5|order=out|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A2}}|{{convert|980|hPa|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4|sortable=on}} || Northern Territory || {{sort|1|Unknown}} || {{sort|1|Unknown}} ||<ref>{{cite web|publisher=International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship|url={{IBTRACS url|id=2001365S12138}}|access-date=25 May 2022|title=2001 Tropical Cyclone Bernie (2001365S12138)}}</ref>{{Citation needed|reason=Impacts|date=May 2022}}
|-
| [[Cyclone Chris|Chris]] || {{sort|0202|2&nbsp;– 6 February}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A5}}|Category 5 severe tropical cyclone || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A5}}|{{convert|110|kn|km/h mph|round=5|order=out|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A5}}|{{convert|915|hPa|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4|sortable=on}} || Western Australia || $929,000 || None ||
|-
| Low || {{sort|0209|9&nbsp;– 13 February}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|TD}}|Tropical low || bgcolor=#{{storm color|TD}}|{{Sort|055|{{convert|55|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|TD}}|{{Sort|0998|{{convert|998|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}}} || Northern Territory || None || None ||
|-
| Low || {{sort|0216|16&nbsp;– 28 February}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|TD}}|Tropical Low || bgcolor=#{{storm color|TD}}|{{Sort||Not specified}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|TD}}|Not specified|| Western Australia, Northern Territory || None || None ||
|-
| Claudia || {{sort|0211|11&nbsp;– 15 February}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A3}}|Category 3 severe tropical cyclone || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A3}}|{{Sort|130|{{convert|130|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A3}}|{{Sort|0965|{{convert|965|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}}} || None || None || None ||
|-
| Des || {{sort|20020303|3&nbsp;– 7 March 2002}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A2}}|Category 2 tropical cyclone || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A2}}|{{convert|50|kn|km/h mph|round=5|order=out|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A2}}|{{convert|985|hPa|inHg|sigfig=4|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || Eastern Australia, New Caledonia || {{sort|1|Unknown}} || {{sort|1|Unknown}} ||<ref>{{cite web|publisher=International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship|url={{IBTRACS url|id=2002062S15154}}|access-date=25 May 2022|title=2002 Tropical Cyclone Des (2002062S15154)}}</ref>{{Citation needed|reason=Impacts|date=May 2022}}
|-
| Dianne || {{sort|0307|7&nbsp;– 11 March}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A3}}|Category 3 severe tropical cyclone || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A3}}|{{Sort|150|{{convert|150|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A3}}|{{Sort|0955|{{convert|955|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}}} || None || None || None ||
|-
| Bonnie || {{sort|0409|9&nbsp;– 14 April}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A2}}|Category 2 tropical cyclone || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A2}}|{{convert|50|kn|km/h mph|round=5|order=out|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A2}}|{{convert|985|hPa|inHg|sigfig=4|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || Timor, Indonesia || None || 19 ||
|-
| Errol || {{Sort|20020508|8&nbsp;– 14 May}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A1}}|Category 1 tropical cyclone || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A1}}|{{convert|40|kn|km/h mph|round=5|order=out|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A1}}|{{convert|995|hPa|inHg|sigfig=4|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || None || {{sort|0|None}} || {{sort|0|None}} ||<ref name="TCErrol"/>
|- 
| Upia || {{sort|0526|26&nbsp;– 29 May}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A1}}|Category 1 tropical cyclone || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A1}}|{{convert|40|kn|km/h mph|round=5|order=out|abbr=on|sortable=on}} || bgcolor=#{{storm color|A1}}|{{Sort|0990|{{convert|990|hPa|inHg|abbr=on}}}} || Budibudi Island, Papua New Guinea || None || None ||<ref>{{cite web|publisher=International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship|url={{IBTRACS url|id=2002143S07157}}|access-date=25 May 2022|title=2003 Tropical Cyclone Upia (2002143S07157)}}</ref>{{Citation needed|reason=Impacts|date=May 2022}}
|-
{{TC Areas affected (Bottom)|TC's=14&nbsp;systems|dates=26 October&nbsp;– 29 May|winds={{convert|205|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}|pres={{convert|915|hPa|inHg|sigfig=4|abbr=on|sortable=on}}|damage=${{ntsp|929000}}|deaths=|Refs=}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
*[[List of Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone seasons]]
*[[List of off-season Australian region tropical cyclones]]
* Tropical cyclones in [[Tropical cyclones in 2001|2001]], [[Tropical cyclones in 2002|2002]]
*Atlantic hurricane seasons: [[2001 Atlantic hurricane season|2001]], [[2002 Atlantic hurricane season|2002]]
*Pacific hurricane seasons: [[2001 Pacific hurricane season|2001]], [[2002 Pacific hurricane season|2002]]
*Pacific typhoon seasons: [[2001 Pacific typhoon season|2001]], [[2002 Pacific typhoon season|2002]]
*North Indian Ocean cyclone seasons: [[2001 North Indian Ocean cyclone season|2001]], [[2002 North Indian Ocean cyclone season|2002]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [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 }}.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20091112010420/http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/cyclone/ Australian Bureau of Meteorology].
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070421094952/http://www.wmo.int/index-en.html World Meteorological Organization]

{{2001–02 Australian region cyclone season buttons}}
{{TC Decades|Year=2000|basin=Australian region|type=cyclone|shem=yes}}
{{Tropical cyclone season|2001|split-year=yes}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2001-02 Australian Region Cyclone Season}}
[[Category:2001–02 Australian region cyclone season| ]]
[[Category:Australian region cyclone seasons]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in 2001|2001 Aus]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in 2002|2002 Aus]]