Fifteen tropical cyclones occurred in the Australian region during the 1985-86 season compared with the ten-year average of about thirteen. Five cyclones reached the severe category (120 km h-1 or more). Widespread major damage and three fatalities were attributed to Winifred, one of only two cyclones to cross the Australian coast compared with the 21-year average of 4.8. A maximum gust of 176 km h-1 was recorded at the Joint Ti-opical Ilia's and Research Establishment at Cowley Beach in Winifred's direct path, while at South Johnstone a minimum pressure of 958 hPa was recorded during the passage of Winifred. INvo cyclones commenced during May. This is only the second time two May cyclones have affected the Australian region since 1964.
G. J. Kingston (1986) studied this question.