What were the highest sustained winds of Tropical Cyclone Yasi at landfall?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the highest sustained winds of Tropical Cyclone Yasi at landfall, including estimates, classifications, and comparisons with other significant storms. The scope includes theoretical classifications of cyclones and anecdotal reflections on the impacts of the storm.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants estimate the highest sustained winds shortly before landfall to be about 155 mph (250 kph), just below the Category 5 threshold.
  • One participant believes that Yasi reached Category 5 status.
  • Another participant notes that Yasi's winds abated considerably upon landfall, dropping to Category 3 or 2, and later to Category 1 as it moved inland.
  • There are claims of winds recorded at 186 mph, raising questions about the storm's impact and the lack of reported fatalities.
  • Participants draw comparisons between Yasi and other hurricanes, such as Katrina and Hurricane Andrew, discussing their maximum sustained winds and impacts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the maximum sustained winds at landfall and the classification of Yasi, indicating that multiple competing views remain without consensus.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the accuracy of wind speed measurements and the definitions of cyclone categories, which may affect the discussion.

Astronuc
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I believe it made it to Category 5.

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/second-surge-threatens-north-queensland-20110201-1acgp.html"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Astronuc said:
http://www.accuweather.com/blogs/news/story/45263/devastating-tc-yasi-crashing-a-1.asp

Landfall between Cairns and Townsville (actually between Innisfail and Cardwell), Queensland, on Feb. 2, 2011

http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDQ65002.shtml

Thankfully, it abated considerably upon landfall. Down to a Cat 3 - 2. Still heading inland, toward Broken Hill, expected there as a Cat 1. It was bad, but could have been much worse.

Now the floods we had a week or two ago, they were something else. I heard a weatherman describe them as going to be of 'biblical proprtions' before they occurred, and I though "hmmm, that's over the top a bit". It wasn't.
 
With winds recorded at 186 mph, I'm amazed that there were no reported fatalities! Gotta hand it to those Aussies for having enough sense to come in out of the rain.
 
mugaliens said:
With winds recorded at 186 mph, I'm amazed that there were no reported fatalities! Gotta hand it to those Aussies for having enough sense to come in out of the rain.

Yup. Compare and contrast with Katrina.