1993–94 Southern Hemisphere cyclone season

Nov 1, 1993 – Apr 30, 1994 · Season ended

The 1993–94 Southern Hemisphere cyclone season produced 29 named storms, 17 at hurricane strength and 11 major storms, against a 1991–2020 average of 26.7, 13.8 and 7.5. Its accumulated cyclone energy was 328, 151% of the average.

1992–93 season 1994–95 season All Southern Hemisphere seasons

Named storms

Avg 26.7 (1991–2020)

Hurricane strength

64 kt or stronger · avg 13.8

Major (Cat 3+)

Including 1 Category 5

Accumulated energy

≈1.5× normal

ACE 328 vs 1991–2020 avg 217

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Tracks colored by peak strengthTDTSC1C2C3C4C5

1993–94 season at a glance

Named storms: 29 (1991–2020 average 26.7).
Hurricane strength (64 kt+): 17 (average 13.8).
Major, 96 kt+: 11, including 1 at Category 5 strength (average 7.5).
Accumulated cyclone energy: 327.6, 151% of the 217 average.
Named-storm days: 173.3, counting each six-hourly fix at 34 kt or more as a quarter day.
First named storm: Alexina, November 9, 1993.
First storm at hurricane strength: Cecilia, December 16, 1993.
First major storm: Rewa, January 2, 1994.
Last storm to dissipate: Willy, May 2, 1994.
All systems tracked: 31, including 2 that stayed below tropical-storm strength.

Counts use 1-minute best-track winds: named storms reached 34 kt (39 mph), the next column 64 kt (74 mph) and major storms 96 kt (111 mph). Regional agencies here use 10-minute winds (3-minute in India), so their official counts can differ.

Every storm of the 1993–94 season

Storm	Dates	Peak	Min pressure	Landfall
Alexina	Nov 7 – Nov 14	TS	982 mb	—
Bettina	Nov 22 – Dec 2	TS	970 mb	—
Cecilia	Dec 11 – Dec 21	C2	972 mb	—
Naomi	Dec 14 – Dec 18	TS	960 mb	Yes
Rewa	Dec 26 – Jan 23	C4	920 mb	Dumbéa, New Caledonia
Oscar	Dec 28 – Jan 9	TS	995 mb	—
TD 7P	Jan 6 – Jan 7	TD	—	—
Daisy	Jan 7 – Jan 17	C2	935 mb	Mahanoro, Madagascar
Farah	Jan 10 – Jan 21	C2	950 mb	—
Edmea	Jan 11 – Jan 19	TS	976 mb	—
Sarah	Jan 18 – Feb 4	C3	975 mb	—
Quenton	Jan 22 – Jan 29	C1	955 mb	—
Geralda	Jan 25 – Feb 9	C5	905 mb	Toamasina, Madagascar
Sadie	Jan 28 – Feb 1	TS	990 mb	Yes
Hollanda	Feb 5 – Feb 15	C3	940 mb	—
Ivy	Feb 6 – Feb 21	C3	950 mb	—
Julita	Feb 15 – Feb 18	TS	995 mb	Belo sur Tsiribihina, Madagascar
TD 17S	Feb 16 – Feb 23	TS	—	Broome, Australia
Theodore	Feb 22 – Mar 3	C4	910 mb	—
Litanne	Mar 5 – Mar 19	C4	910 mb	Ampasimanolotra, Madagascar
Kelvina	Mar 5 – Mar 12	TS	985 mb	—
Mariola	Mar 7 – Mar 19	C2	966 mb	—
Sharon	Mar 12 – Mar 22	C3	930 mb	—
Nadia	Mar 16 – Apr 2	C4	925 mb	Ambilobe, Madagascar
Thomas	Mar 19 – Mar 27	C3	987 mb	—
Usha	Mar 22 – Apr 4	TS	990 mb	—
Odille	Mar 26 – Apr 17	C3	925 mb	—
Tim	Mar 28 – Apr 3	TS	995 mb	—
Vivienne	Apr 5 – Apr 13	C1	955 mb	—
TD 29P	Apr 20 – Apr 25	TD	—	—
Willy	Apr 26 – May 2	TS	985 mb	—

Alexina: Alexina formed in the Southern Hemisphere in November 1993 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 982 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 6 days.
Bettina: Bettina formed in the Southern Hemisphere in November 1993 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 970 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 10 days.
Cecilia: Cecilia formed in the Southern Hemisphere in December 1993 and peaked as a Category 2 cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 972 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 11 days.
Naomi: Naomi formed in the Southern Hemisphere in December 1993 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 960 mb. The system was tracked for 4 days.
Rewa: Rewa formed in the Southern Hemisphere in December 1993 and peaked as a Category 4 cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (230 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 920 mb. It made landfall near Dumbéa, New Caledonia. The system was tracked for 29 days.
Oscar: Oscar formed in the Southern Hemisphere in December 1993 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 995 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 12 days.
TD 7P: This system formed in the Southern Hemisphere in January 1994 and peaked as a tropical depression with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (55 km/h). It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 2 days.
Daisy: Daisy formed in the Southern Hemisphere in January 1994 and peaked as a Category 2 cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph (175 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 935 mb. It made landfall near Mahanoro, Madagascar. The system was tracked for 10 days.
Farah: Farah formed in the Southern Hemisphere in January 1994 and peaked as a Category 2 cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph (175 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 950 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 12 days.
Edmea: Edmea formed in the Southern Hemisphere in January 1994 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 976 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 8 days.
Sarah: Sarah formed in the Southern Hemisphere in January 1994 and peaked as a Category 3 cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 975 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 17 days.
Quenton: Quenton formed in the Southern Hemisphere in January 1994 and peaked as a Category 1 cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 955 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 7 days.
Geralda: Geralda formed in the Southern Hemisphere in January 1994 and peaked as a Category 5 cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph (270 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 905 mb. It made landfall near Toamasina, Madagascar. The system was tracked for 15 days.
Sadie: Sadie formed in the Southern Hemisphere in January 1994 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 990 mb. The system was tracked for 4 days.
Hollanda: Hollanda formed in the Southern Hemisphere in February 1994 and peaked as a Category 3 cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 940 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 10 days.
Ivy: Ivy formed in the Southern Hemisphere in February 1994 and peaked as a Category 3 cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 950 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 15 days.
Julita: Julita formed in the Southern Hemisphere in February 1994 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 995 mb. It made landfall near Belo sur Tsiribihina, Madagascar. The system was tracked for 3 days.
TD 17S: This system formed in the Southern Hemisphere in February 1994 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 km/h). It made 2 landfalls, first near Broome, Australia and last near Port Hedland, Australia. The system was tracked for 7 days.
Theodore: Theodore formed in the Southern Hemisphere in February 1994 and peaked as a Category 4 cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 910 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 10 days.
Litanne: Litanne formed in the Southern Hemisphere in March 1994 and peaked as a Category 4 cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph (240 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 910 mb. It made landfall near Ampasimanolotra, Madagascar. The system was tracked for 15 days.
Kelvina: Kelvina formed in the Southern Hemisphere in March 1994 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 985 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 7 days.
Mariola: Mariola formed in the Southern Hemisphere in March 1994 and peaked as a Category 2 cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 966 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 12 days.
Sharon: Sharon formed in the Southern Hemisphere in March 1994 and peaked as a Category 3 cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 930 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 10 days.
Nadia: Nadia formed in the Southern Hemisphere in March 1994 and peaked as a Category 4 cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (220 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 925 mb. It made 2 landfalls, first near Ambilobe, Madagascar and last near Nacala, Mozambique. The system was tracked for 16 days.
Thomas: Thomas formed in the Southern Hemisphere in March 1994 and peaked as a Category 3 cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 987 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 8 days.
Usha: Usha formed in the Southern Hemisphere in March 1994 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 990 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 13 days.
Odille: Odille formed in the Southern Hemisphere in March 1994 and peaked as a Category 3 cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 925 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 21 days.
Tim: Tim formed in the Southern Hemisphere in March 1994 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 995 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 6 days.
Vivienne: Vivienne formed in the Southern Hemisphere in April 1994 and peaked as a Category 1 cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 955 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 8 days.
TD 29P: This system formed in the Southern Hemisphere in April 1994 and peaked as a tropical depression with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (55 km/h). It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 5 days.
Willy: Willy formed in the Southern Hemisphere in April 1994 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 985 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 6 days.

Each summary is built from the storm’s best track.

Strongest storm of 1993–94

Cyclone Geralda was the strongest storm of the season, peaking at 165 mph (270 km/h), with a lowest pressure of 905 mb, on January 31, 1994. That is Category 5 strength on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

7 Southern Hemisphere storms since 1980 peaked higher, and 3 matched it. It produced 9% of the season’s accumulated cyclone energy.

Landfalls in 1993–94

9 of the season’s 31 systems made landfall, 4 of them at hurricane strength. Each landfall point is listed with the nearest town and the wind at that moment.

December 17, 1993: Naomi, 65 mph (tropical storm)
December 29, 1993: Rewa, 50 mph (tropical storm)
January 5, 1994: Rewa near Dumbéa, New Caledonia, 60 mph (tropical storm)
January 13, 1994: Daisy near Mahanoro, Madagascar, 90 mph (Category 1)
January 30, 1994: Sadie, 40 mph (tropical storm)
February 2, 1994: Geralda near Toamasina, Madagascar, 120 mph (Category 3)
February 18, 1994: Julita near Belo sur Tsiribihina, Madagascar, 35 mph (tropical depression)
February 19, 1994: TD 17S near Broome, Australia, 35 mph (tropical depression)
February 20, 1994: TD 17S near Port Hedland, Australia, 35 mph (tropical depression)
March 15, 1994: Litanne near Ampasimanolotra, Madagascar, 125 mph (Category 3)
March 23, 1994: Nadia near Ambilobe, Madagascar, 100 mph (Category 2)
March 24, 1994: Nadia near Nacala, Mozambique, 85 mph (Category 1)

How 1993–94 ranks since 1980

The season ranks 17th of 47 Southern Hemisphere seasons since 1980 for named storms (tied with 2 other seasons), 5th for hurricane strength (tied with 1 other season) and 3rd for accumulated cyclone energy.

The record since 1980 is 37 named storms, in 1997, and the highest ACE is 364, in 1997.

1993–94 storm names

The 1993–94 season used 28 names: Alexina, Bettina, Cecilia, Naomi, Rewa, Oscar, Daisy, Farah, Edmea, Sarah, Quenton, Geralda, Sadie, Hollanda, Ivy, Julita, Theodore, Litanne, Kelvina, Mariola, Sharon, Nadia, Thomas, Usha, Odille, Tim, Vivienne, Willy.

3 systems were tracked without a name and are listed by number.

1993–94 season FAQ

How many named storms were there in 1993–94?

The 1993–94 Southern Hemisphere cyclone season had 29 named storms, 17 at hurricane strength and 11 major storms, from 31 systems tracked in all. The 1991–2020 average is 26.7 named storms, 13.8 at 64 kt or more and 7.5 major per season. The first to form was Alexina and the last was Willy.

What was the strongest storm of 1993–94?

Cyclone Geralda. It peaked at 165 mph (270 km/h, 145 kt) with a lowest pressure of 905 mb on January 31, 1994. That is Category 5 strength on the Saffir-Simpson scale. 7 Southern Hemisphere storms since 1980 peaked higher. It produced 9% of the season’s accumulated cyclone energy.

When did the 1993–94 season end?

Australia’s official season ran from November 1, 1993 to April 30, 1994. Our counts follow IBTrACS, which files every storm from July 1993 to June 1994 under the 1993–94 season. The busiest months are January–February. The last system, Willy, dissipated on May 2, 1994.