Cyclone Nina

Severe Tropical Cyclone Nina was a significant tropical cyclone which impacted six island nations from December 1992 to January 1993. The system was first noted as a tropical low over the Cape York Peninsula on 21 December. Over the next few days, the system moved south-westwards into the Gulf of Carpentaria. The low developed into a tropical cyclone and was named Nina on 23 December. The system was subsequently steered south-eastwards by an upper-level trough of low pressure, before it made landfall as a Category 2 tropical cyclone on the Cape York Peninsula near Cape Keerweer on 25 December. Over land, the system weakened into a tropical low before it regenerated into a tropical cyclone over the Coral Sea on 28 December. The system subsequently moved north-eastwards, under the influence of Cyclone Kina and an upper-level ridge of high pressure. During 1 January 1993, Nina peaked with sustained wind speeds of 140 km/h (85 mph), as it affected Rennell, Bellona and Temotu provinces in the Solomon Islands. The system subsequently gradually weakened as it accelerated eastwards and affected Rotuma, Wallis and Futuna, Tonga and Niue. Nina was subsequently absorbed by Kina near the Southern Cook Islands during 5 January.