Cyclone Tracy was a tropical cyclone that devastated the city of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia from 24 to 26 December 1974. The small, developing easterly storm had been observed passing clear of the city initially, but then turned towards it early on 24 December.

When did Cyclone Tracy hit?

On 25 December at around 3:30 a.m., Tracy's centre crossed the coast near Fannie Bay. The highest recorded wind gust from the cyclone was 217 kilometres per hour (135 mph), which was recorded around 3:05 a.m. at Darwin Airport.

Was Cyclone Tracy a Category 5?

Cyclone Tracy killed 71 people and caused A$837 million in damage (equivalent to around A$4.45 billion in 2014 value). ... Some of the strongest since records began include Cyclones Yasi (2011), George (2007), Joan (1975), Innisfail (1918), and Mahina (1899), all of which were classed as Category 5.