Tropical Cyclone Tracy passed directly over the city of Darwin in the Northern Territory, Australia from midnight on Christmas Eve until 7.00am on Christmas Day on 25 December 1974. The first alert of the cyclone was on December 21.The location of where Cyclone Tracy passed is Darwin. Darwin is situated in the Northern Territory, Australia. Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory.
Cyclones are graded, according to their severity and wind velocity, on a scale of one to five (five being the most severe cyclone). Cyclone Tracy was a category four cyclone. Tropical cyclones are extreme low-pressure systems also known as depressions. Cyclones form over tropical oceans and are only known as cyclones if the wind speeds exceed 63 km/h. Cyclone Tracy reached over 300km/h but the true speed isn't known as the wind instruments broke, as the wind got stronger than 295km/h. As a tropical cyclone follows a relatively straight path it will go through four different stages: .
Formation: Where the cyclone starts as a tropical depression. Looks like nothing more than a band of cloud.
Prematurity: When the winds of the depression exceed gale force (63 km/h). Starts to look slightly circular.
Full Maturity: When the cyclone is most dangerous. Usually has a more circular shape with a distinct eye.
Decay: Cyclones normally decay when they reach less favourable environments.
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Cyclone Tracy claimed 65 lives, 49 on land and 16 at sea on several small vessels that were in the path of Cyclone Tracy. Approximately 650 people were treated for injuries on Christmas Day, while more than 35,000 people were evacuated in the days that followed. This was necessary as power, water, sanitation and communications were lost. Over 80% of all buildings were destroyed, disease was very likely, and there were only 400 of Darwin's 11,200 homes remaining even reasonably intact. The total damage costs were over $800 million. A whole 90% of Darwin was destroyed and Cyclone Tracy is known as the worst Cyclone .
