Category 2 tropical cyclone (Aus scale) | |
---|---|
Category 1 tropical cyclone (SSHWS) | |
Cyclone Mick at peak intensity near Fiji | |
Formed | December 3, 2009 |
Dissipated | December 15, 2009 |
Highest winds | 10-minute sustained: 110 km/h (70 mph) 1-minute sustained: 130 km/h (80 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 975 hPa (mbar); 28.79 inHg |
Fatalities | 4 direct, 2 missing |
Damage | $20 million (2009 USD) |
Areas affected | Fiji, Tonga |
Part of the 2009-10 South Pacific cyclone season |
Tropical Cyclone Mick (RSMC Nadi designation:01F, JTWC Designation:04P) was the first tropical disturbance to grace the waters of the South Pacific Ocean during the 2009-10 South Pacific cyclone season. The tropical disturbance that was to become Tropical Cyclone Mick developed out of a weak area of low pressure to the northeast of Fiji on December 3, 2009. Over the next few days the disturbance gradually developed before it intensified into a tropical depression late on December 11. During the next day the system intensified further and was declared as Tropical Cyclone Mick late on December 12. During the next day Tropical Cyclone Mick, accelerated towards the southeast whilst gradually intensifying further. During December 14, as Mick approached the Fijian island of Viti Levu, the cyclone peaked with peak 10 minute windspeeds of 110 km/h, (65 mph) and 1 minute winds of 130 km/h, (80 mph). Later that day, Mick made landfall on Viti Levu to the northeast of Nadi. As a result of the land interaction, Tropical Cyclone Mick rapidly weakened and became an extratropical depression early the next day.