Cyclone Leo was the fifth and last tropical cyclone of the
season. It was the third to occur near the northwest coast of
Australia. A pre-existing depression moved off the West
Kimberley coast and developed to tropical cyclone intensity as
it moved southwestward. When located to the north of Port
Hedland it recurved southward and then southeastward and crossed
the coast to the east of Port Hedland. It was at its most
intense stage when it crossed the coast with a central pressure
estimated to be 955 hPa and maximum winds estimated to be 165
km/h. Over land the highest wind gust reported was 200 km/h at
Port Hedland at 0401 WST 27 March when the wind was southerly.
This gust occurred when Leo had crossed the coast but was at its
closest point to Port Hedland. As Leo approached from the north
the southeasterly winds at Port Hedland reached gale force (63
km/h) about 261330 GMT. The winds gradually veered to the south
but they did not drop below gale force until about 270200 UTC.
At 270400 UTC Marble Bar reporte