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{{Short description|Category 5 South Pacific and Australian region cyclone in 2003}}
{{About|the early 2003 cyclone in the South Pacific Ocean|the November 2003 Indian Ocean cyclone|2003–04 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season#Intense Tropical Cyclone Beni}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox weather event
| name = Severe Tropical Cyclone Beni
| image = TC Beni 29 jan 2003 0315Z.jpg
| caption = Cyclone Beni near its peak intensity on 29 January, between Vanuatu and New Caledonia
| formed = 19 January 2003
| dissipated = 5 February 2003
}}{{Infobox weather event/FMS
| winds = 110
| pressure = 920
}}{{Infobox weather event/JTWC
| winds = 125
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| year = 2003
| fatalities = 1 total
| damages = $7 million (2003 [[United States Dollar|USD]])
| affected = [[Vanuatu]], [[New Caledonia]], [[Queensland]]
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season = 2002–03 [[2002–03 South Pacific cyclone season|South Pacific]] and [[2002–03 Australian region cyclone season|Australian region]] cyclone seasons
}}
'''Severe Tropical Cyclone Beni''' was an intense tropical cyclone that affected four countries, on its 18-day journey across the South Pacific Ocean during January and February 2003. The system originally developed during 19 January as a weak tropical disturbance within the monsoon trough, to the northeast of the Santa Cruz Islands. Over the next few days the system gradually developed further before it was classified as a tropical cyclone and named Beni during 24 January.

Originally, the storm moved slowly towards the west. Initially moving towards the west, the cyclone then made a clockwise loop, and turned south. Beni entered more conductive conditions and began to strengthen while moving southeast. After attaining winds of [[hurricane]]-force, Beni strengthened rather quickly. Traveling between [[Vanuatu]] and [[New Caledonia]], Beni reached its peak intensity on January&nbsp;29 with winds of 125&nbsp;mph (205&nbsp;km/h <small>10-minute sustained</small>), and a peak [[barometric pressure|pressure]] of {{convert|920|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}} before rapidly weakening. The cyclone made its closest approach to the island of New Caledonia on January&nbsp;30; shortly after that, Beni weakened into a tropical depression. In the [[Coral Sea]], however, the storm once again entered more favorable conditions and it briefly re-intensified into. However, this trend was short-lived; wind shear took its toll on the cyclone, weakening it back down to a tropical depression. The remnants of Beni proceeded to make landfall near [[Mackay, Queensland]] and produce heavy rain over much of the [[drought]] stricken state of Queensland until finally dissipating on February&nbsp;5.

The cyclone caused a food shortage and flooded portions of the [[Solomon Islands]]. Across the island group, about 2,000 people took shelter, some in caves. In addition, the storm brought [[storm surge]] and [[beach erosion]] to Vanuatu. New Caledonia faced [[power outage]]s and heavy rains. In Queensland, Beni was responsible severe flooding. Two communities were isolated during the storm; a total of 160&nbsp;people were also cut off by floodwater. The water level of one dam increased from 0.5% to 81%. The cyclone's heavy rains helped ease drought problems in Queensland; in fact, water reserves replenished five years worth of supply in one location. In all, one death was reported in Queensland and damages totaled to [[Australian dollar|A]]$10&nbsp;million (US$6&nbsp;million, 2003 USD) in Queensland and US$1&nbsp;million (A$2&nbsp;million) in Vanuatu.

==Meteorological history==
{{storm path|Beni Pacific 2003 track.png}}
Late on 19 January the [[Fiji Meteorological Service]]'s [[Regional Specialized Meteorological Center]] in [[Nadi, Fiji]] <small>(RSMC Nadi)</small> started to monitor a tropical disturbance, that had developed within the [[monsoon trough]] to the northeast of the [[Santa Cruz Islands]].<ref name="SS">{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclone Seasonal Summary 2002-2003 season |format=PDF |author=RSMC Nadi — Tropical Cyclone Centre |url=http://www.met.gov.fj/documents/TC_Seasonal_Summary_02-031190690457.pdf |access-date=18 December 2013 |publisher=Fiji Meteorological Service |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081001150746/http://www.met.gov.fj/documents/TC_Seasonal_Summary_02-031190690457.pdf |date=29 August 2007 |archive-date=1 October 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Over the next couple of days the disturbance developed into a tropical depression as it moved towards the west-southwest, within an area of favourable conditions for further development including low vertical [[wind shear]] and [[sea-surface temperatures]] of about {{convert|30|C|F|abbr=on}}.<ref name="SS" /><ref name="GPJan03">{{cite report|title=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary January, 2003|url=http://www.australiansevereweather.com/cyclones/2003/summ0301.htm|access-date=22 August 2012|author=Padgett, Gary|author2=Clarke, Simon|author3=Waqaicelua, Alipate|author4=Callaghan, Jeff|date=27 December 2006}}</ref> As the system moved near the [[Solomon Island]] of [[San Cristóbal Island|San Cristóbal]] during 22 February, further development of the system had become suppressed by strengthening wind shear that exposed the systems low level circulation.<ref name="GPJan03" /><ref name="Beni IBTRACS">{{cite web|url={{IBTRACS url|id=2003021S10163}}|title=2002 Tropical Cyclone Beni (2003021S10163)|publisher=International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship|access-date=2 April 2019}}</ref> During 24 February as the system moved beneath an upper-level ridge of high pressure, the wind shear abated and convection developed over the systems consolidating low level circulation.<ref name="SS" /><ref name="BoM ATCR">{{cite journal|title=The South Pacific and southeast Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season 2002–03 |author=Courtney, Joe B |journal=Australian Meteorological Magazine |volume=54 |pages=137&nbsp;– 150 |date=2 June 2005 |publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology |url=http://reg.bom.gov.au/amm/docs/2005/courtney.pdf |access-date=18 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314220623/http://reg.bom.gov.au/amm/docs/2005/courtney.pdf |archive-date=14 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="TCFA">{{cite web|date=24 January 2003 |title=Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert 24 January, 2003 21z |access-date=18 December 2013 |url=http://www.australiasevereweather.com/tropical_cyclones/2002_2003/warnings/tropical_cyclone_beni_jtwc_advisories.htm |publisher=United States Navy, United States Air Force |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219062627/http://www.australiasevereweather.com/tropical_cyclones/2002_2003/warnings/tropical_cyclone_beni_jtwc_advisories.htm |archive-date=19 December 2013 |url-status=live |author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center }}</ref> As a result, the United States [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] issued a [[Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert]] on the system later that day, before RSMC Nadi reported that the depression had developed into a category one tropical cyclone on the [[Australian tropical cyclone scale]] and named it Beni early on 24 January.<ref name="SS" /><ref name="TCFA" /> At around this time the JTWC initiated advisories on the system and designated it as Tropical Cyclone 12P, while it was located about {{convert|160|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the south of the Solomon Island [[Rennell Island|Rennell]].<ref name="BoM ATCR" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone 12P (Beni) Warning 1: 25 January 2003 03z |access-date=18 December 2013 |author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center |url=http://www.australiasevereweather.com/tropical_cyclones/2002_2003/warnings/tropical_cyclone_beni_jtwc_advisories.htm |publisher=United States Navy, United States Air Force |date=25 January 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219062627/http://www.australiasevereweather.com/tropical_cyclones/2002_2003/warnings/tropical_cyclone_beni_jtwc_advisories.htm |archive-date=19 December 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

After being named Beni executed a small clockwise loop for two days to the southeast of Rennell, partially as a result of a strong surface ridge of high pressure to the south of the low level circulation center.<ref name="GPJan03" /> Environmental conditions surrounding the system also fluctuated during 25 January, as a result of Beni's position to the north of the strongly diffluent flow on the northern side of the upper-level ridge axis.<ref name="GPJan03" /> As a result, the systems low level circulation center became partially exposed with deep convection located to the west of the system before Beni's low-level circulation slipped back under the convection during 26 January, with spiral bands wrapping tightly around the centre.<ref name="SS" /><ref name="GPJan03" /> As a result, RSMC Nadi reported that the system had developed into a category 2 tropical cyclone during that day.<ref name="SS" /><ref name="Beni IBTRACS"/> Over the next two days conditions continued to fluctuate with shear playing a significant role in holding back further intensification of the system.<ref name="SS" /> Early on 28 January as a ragged eye and cloud filled eye appeared on satellite imagery, the JTWC reported that the system had become equivalent to a category 1 hurricane on the [[Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale]] <small>(SSHWS)</small>.<ref name="SS" /><ref name="12P BT">{{cite web|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|access-date=21 April 2013|title=Tropical Cyclone 12P (Beni) best track analysis|url=http://www.usno.navy.mil/NOOC/nmfc-ph/RSS/jtwc/best_tracks/2003/2003s-bsh/bsh122003.txt|publisher=United States Navy, United States Air Force|archive-date=10 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010032841/http://www.usno.navy.mil/NOOC/nmfc-ph/RSS/jtwc/best_tracks/2003/2003s-bsh/bsh122003.txt|url-status=dead}}</ref> When the data was reanalyzed, RSMC Nadi reported that Beni had become a category 3 severe tropical cyclone at this time, however, operationally it wasn't declared a category 3 severe tropical cyclone for another 18 hours.<ref name="SS" /><ref name="BoM ATCR" /> Throughout 28 January Beni continued to intensify before the JTWC reported early the next day that the system had peaked, with 1-minute sustained wind speeds of 230&nbsp;km/h (145&nbsp;mph) which made it equivalent to a category 4 hurricane on the SSHS.<ref name="12P BT" /> Later that day RSMC Nadi reported that Beni had explosively developed and peaked as a Category 5 severe tropical cyclone on the Australian scale, with 10-minute sustained winds of {{convert|205|km/h|mph|round=5|abbr=on}}.<ref name="SS" /><ref name="BoM ATCR" /> At this time the system was moving to the southeast and was located about {{convert|400|km|mi|round=5|abbr=on}} to the west of Port Vila, Vanuatu.<ref name="BoM ATCR" />
[[File:Beni 2003-02-04 0000Z.jpg|thumb|Beni in the Australian Region on 4 February 2003]]
After peaking in intensity Beni subsequently started to weaken as a trough of low pressure increased vertical wind shear over the system, while an upper-level low started to develop to the west of New Caledonia.<ref name="GPJan03" /><ref name="BoM ATCR" /><ref name="DTDSJAN03">{{cite journal|year=2003 |title=January 2003 |journal=Darwin Tropical Diagnostic Statement |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |location=Australian |volume=22 |issue=1 |author=Darwin Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre |pages=2 |issn=1321-4233 |url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ntregion/statements/tropical/dtds-200302.pdf |access-date=23 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224105435/http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ntregion/statements/tropical/dtds-200302.pdf |archive-date=24 December 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, a strengthening ridge slowed Beni down and allowed the cyclone to move towards the south and then southwest, moving it away from Vanuatu. Rapid dissipating due to wind shear, the cyclone's [[central dense overcast]] was soon completely separated from Beni's [[atmospheric circulation|center of circulation]]. On 30 January, the storm passed south of [[New Caledonia]] and even closer to the ''[[commune in France|commune]]'' of [[L'Île-des-Pins]], but by this time, RSMC Nadi reported that Cyclone Beni was only a marginal Category&nbsp;1 system with winds of 40&nbsp;mph (65&nbsp;km/h) and a pressure of {{convert|994|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. The system was further downgraded into a tropical depression the same day while located {{convert|240|nmi|km|abbr=on|round=5}} southwest of New Caledonia. The depression continued to move towards the west, and subsequently northwest, across the [[Coral Sea]], and on 1 February, the depression crossed [[160th meridian east|160°E]] and moved into the [[Tropical cyclone basins#Australian region|Australian region]]. In an area of once again increasing [[sea surface temperature]]s and warm air, [[convection]] developed over the center. TCWC Brisbane reported that the system was once again briefly upgraded into tropical cyclone status. At this time the pressure of the cyclone was {{convert|995|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. However, vertical wind shear once again took its toll on Beni, and the circulation center decoupled from the deep convection and the storm's strongest winds. Consequently, Beni was once again downgraded into a depression, just 12 hours after its re-classification as a tropical cyclone. The [[remnant low]] of Severe Tropical Cyclone Beni made landfall near [[Mackay, Queensland|Mackay]] on 5 February.

==Preparations, impact, and aftermath==

===Solomon Islands===
The cyclone impacted various [[Solomon Islands]] between 23 and 28 January, about a month after [[Cyclone Zoe]] had affected parts of the [[Temotu Province]].<ref name="Feb Sig">{{cite report|type=Monthly Significant Weather Summary|title=February 2003|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/inside/services_policy/public/sigwxsum/sigw0203.shtml|publisher=Australian Bureau of Meteorology|access-date=22 December 2013}}</ref><ref name="Seige">{{cite news|publisher=Pacific Islands Development Program/Center for Pacific Islands Studies |url=http://pidp.org/archive/2003/January/01-27-01.htm |title=Solomons under cyclone {{sic|sei|ge|hide=y}} once again |author=Pacific Islands Report |date=27 January 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103073421/http://pidp.org/archive/2003/January/01-27-01.htm |archive-date=3 January 2014 |url-status=dead |access-date=3 October 2015 }}</ref>
As Beni affected the islands various cyclone warnings were issued by the Solomon Island Meteorological Service, while inhabitants moved inland and sheltered in caves.<ref name="GPJan03"/><ref name="Seige"/>

Multiple crops in the Solomon Islands were damaged by the flooding rains, including [[coconut]], [[papaya]], [[banana]], and [[sweet potato]] crops, causing a food shortage on the islands.<ref name=ocha1>{{cite web|title=Solomon Islands&nbsp;— Cyclone Beni OCHA Situation Report No. 1|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/solomon-islands/solomon-islands-cyclone-beni-ocha-situation-report-no-1|publisher=[[ReliefWeb]]|access-date=21 August 2012|author=Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs|author-link=Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs|date=29 January 2003}}</ref> [[Saline water|Saltwater]] inundation caused by strong waves damaged some [[garden plot]]s, adding on further to the food shortage.<ref name=gpjan06summary>{{cite report|title=January, 2006|url=http://www.australiansevereweather.com/cyclones/2003/summ0301.htm|work=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary|publisher=Australian Severe Weather|access-date=22 August 2012|author=Padgett, Garry|author2=Clarke, Simon |author3=Waqaicelua, Alipate |author4=Callaghan, Jeff|date=27 December 2006}}</ref> A [[freshwater lake]] was flooded by the heavy rain, damaging nearby [[taro]] crops.<ref name=update29jan>{{cite web|title=Pacific Cyclones Update 29 Jan 2003|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/fiji/pacific-cyclones-update-29-jan-2003|publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=23 August 2012|author=Australian Agency for International Development|author-link=Australian Agency for International Development|date=29 January 2003}}</ref> The rough seas also forced patrol boats in [[Honiara]] to be moved to prevent them from drifting offshore.<ref name=lashesolomon>{{cite web|title=Solomons: Another cyclone lashes islands|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/solomon-islands/solomons-another-cyclone-lashes-islands|publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=23 August 2012|author=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=27 January 2003}}</ref> In the village of [[Tingoa]], some locals took shelter in caves while other moved into [[emergency shelter]]s.<ref name=ocha1 /> It is estimated that about 2,000 people took shelter nationwide.<ref name=newcalendoniabraces>{{cite news|title=New Caledonia braces for Cyclone Beni|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/new-caledonia-france/new-caledonia-braces-cyclone-beni|access-date=21 August 2012|date=29 January 2003|author=ReliefWeb|agency=[[Agence France-Presse]]}}</ref> Disaster management officials sent relief supplies to [[Rennell Island|Rennell]] and [[Bellona Island]]s, the islands that worst affected by the storm.<ref name=reliefsolomon>{{cite web|title=Solomons: Cyclone relief on the way to Rennel and Bellona|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/solomon-islands/solomons-cyclone-relief-way-rennel-and-bellona|publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=23 August 2012|author=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|author2=Panichi, James|date=28 January 2003}}</ref>

===Vanuatu, and New Caledonia===
Vanuatu experienced strong winds from Beni, with gusts of up to {{convert|95|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref name=gpjan06summary /> In the capital of [[Port Vila]], structures near the coast were damaged by [[storm surge]]. Damage in the islands totaled to US$1&nbsp;million.{{#tag:ref|All damage totals are in their respective currency values in 2003|group="nb"}}<ref name=disastersinsuranceplanning>{{cite web|title=Catastrophe Insurance Pilot Project, Port Villa, Vanuatu: Developing Risk-Management Options for Disasters in the Pacific Region|url=http://ict.sopac.org/VirLib/MR0550.pdf|publisher=[[Secretariat of the Pacific Community]] Applied Geoscience and Technology Division|access-date=23 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203081934/http://ict.sopac.org/VirLib/MR0550.pdf|archive-date=3 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> In [[Mele, Vanuatu|Mele]], the tide caused by Beni was only measured as high as {{convert|0.3|m|ft|abbr=on}}. [[Beach erosion]] occurred along the coasts of Vanuatu as well.<ref name=catastropheinsurance>{{cite web|title=Catastrophe Insurance Pilot Study, Port Vila, Vanuatu: Developing Risk-Management Options for Disasters in the Pacific Region, Volume 2|url=http://www.pacificdisaster.net/pdnadmin/data/original/SOPAC_VUT_2003_Catastrophe_insurance_vol2.pdf|access-date=23 August 2012|author=Shorten, G.G.|author2=Goosby, S.|author3=Granger, K.|author4=Lindsay, K.|author5=Naidu, P.|author6=Oliver, S.|author7=Stewart, K.|author8=Titov, V.|author9=Walker, G.|publisher=Secretariat of the Pacific Community Applied Geoscience and Technology Division|pages=110–114|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203013911/http://www.pacificdisaster.net/pdnadmin/data/original/SOPAC_VUT_2003_Catastrophe_insurance_vol2.pdf|archive-date=3 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Image:TC Beni 30 jan 2003 0220Z.jpg|thumb|Beni approaching New Caledonia|alt=A true-color image showing a tropical cyclone with cloud bands and a central area of clouds. The outlines of some islands hidden under the clouds are also shown.]]

Due to the impending approach of Beni, authorities in [[New Caledonia]] issued a [[tropical cyclone warnings and watches|low-level alert]] for the island.<ref name=newcalendoniabraces /> In the [[Nouméa]] area, school holiday camps were closed and military personnel were sent to the [[Loyalty Islands]] in advance.<ref name=newcalendoniaalerted>{{cite web|title=Parts of New Caledonia on high alert as Cyclone Beni approaches|url=http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=329|publisher=Radio New Zealand International|access-date=21 August 2012|date=29 January 2003}}</ref> However, the alert for New Caledonia was lifted after Beni weakened and moved away from the islands.<ref name=liftedcaledonia /> Several power outages and structural damage occurred during the passing of Beni in the Loyalty Islands, which were caused by trees collapsing on [[power line]]s.<ref name=newcalendoniacyclones>{{cite report|title=De 1880 à nos jours |url=http://www.meteo.nc/cyclone/cyclones-passes?view=cyclones |publisher=[[Météo-France]] |access-date=23 August 2012 |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920054955/http://meteo.nc/cyclone/cyclones-passes?view=cyclones |archive-date=20 September 2012 }}</ref> Rain peaked at {{convert|160|mm|in|abbr=on}} in a mountain spring.<ref name=liftedcaledonia>{{cite report|title=Alert lifted in New Caledonia as tropical depression|url=http://reliefweb.int/report/new-caledonia-france/alert-lifted-new-caledonia-tropical-depression-passes|publisher=ReliefWeb|access-date=23 August 2012|author=Agence France-Presse|date=31 January 2003}}</ref>

===Australia===
Severe weather warnings were issued for [[Southeast Queensland]] between February&nbsp;1 and 3 due to the impending conditions, and in [[Central Queensland]], warnings were issued between the February&nbsp;3 and 5.<ref name="Feb Sig"/> Across the [[Sunshine Coast, Queensland|Sunshine Coast]] and [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]], beaches were closed, and 12&nbsp;people were rescued from [[outrigger canoe]]s in [[Moreton Bay]].<ref name="Feb Sig"/>  Supermarkets in the area stocked up extra supplies and equipment to prepare for Beni to better support evacuees and those sheltering.<ref name=threatenqueensland>{{cite news|title=Cyclone Beni threatens to hit Queensland|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/02/04/1044318602508.html|access-date=21 August 2012|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=4 January 2003|author=Australian Associated Press|author-link=Australian Associated Press}}</ref> Because of the threat of rough seas and high winds forced the delay of the New Zealand International [[Sprint Car]] Series that was to take place at the [[Western Springs Stadium]], after a ship carrying the cars had to wait for the storm the pass.<ref name=racecarstall>{{cite news|title=Cyclone stalls international sprintcar races|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=3099508|access-date=21 August 2012|newspaper=[[New Zealand Herald]]|date=5 February 2003}}</ref>

Although far from Australia at that time, [[storm cell]]s from Beni produced gale–force winds would periodically form and affect areas of southeastern [[Queensland]] on February&nbsp;2.<ref name=bom2002-03>{{cite web|title=The South Pacific and southeast Indian Ocean tropical cyclone season 2002-03 |url=http://reg.bom.gov.au/amm/docs/2005/courtney.pdf |publisher=Bureau of Meteorology |access-date=22 August 2012 |author=Courtney, J.B. |author2=Australian Meteorological Magazine |location=[[Perth]] |pages=145–146 |date=April 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314220623/http://reg.bom.gov.au/amm/docs/2005/courtney.pdf |archive-date=14 March 2012 }}</ref> Strong winds caused a [[power outage]] in both [[Agnes Water, Queensland|Agnes Water]] and [[1770, Queensland|1770]] late on 5&nbsp;February. Both cities were also isolated by floodwater.<ref name="Feb Sig"/> In [[Wowan, Queensland|Wowan]], many buildings were flooded by the heavy rains, and a total of 160&nbsp;people were also cut off by floodwater.<ref name="Feb Sig"/>  Near [[Gladstone, Queensland|Gladstone]], many placed recorded rain totals in excess of {{convert|500|mm|in|abbr=on}}, although some of the rain was caused by a nearby [[upper-level low]] that was also over Queensland at the time.<ref name=gpjan06summary /> Other areas of [[Western Queensland]] recorded rain totals of up to {{convert|200|mm|in|abbr=on}}, including in [[Augathella, Queensland]], where rain peaked at {{convert|203|mm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref name=200mmrainqld>{{cite web|title=Ex-cyclone Beni delivers up to 200mm rain to Western QLD|url=http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/stories/s780603.htm|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Company]]|access-date=21 August 2012|author=ABC Rural Broadcasting News|date=10 February 2003}}</ref> Runoff on the [[Fitzroy River (Queensland)|Fitzroy River]] caused by Cyclone Beni resulted in a moderate flood with an estimated [[return period]] of four years at [[Rockhampton]].<ref name=reefwater>{{cite web|title=A mouthful of mud: the fate of contaminants from the Fitzroy River, Queensland, Australia and implications for reef water policy|url=http://www.mur.csu.edu.au/research/ilws/news/events/5asm/docs/proceedings/Packett_Robert_294.pdf|publisher=[[Charles Sturt University]]|access-date=23 August 2012|author=Robert, Packett|author2=National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality|author3=Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water|pages=296–297|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101221546/http://www.mur.csu.edu.au/research/ilws/news/events/5asm/docs/proceedings/Packett_Robert_294.pdf|archive-date=1 November 2013}}</ref> The cyclone's heavy rains helped ease [[drought]] problems in Queensland. Nine [[shire]]s in Central Queensland were declared [[disaster area]]s. At the [[Kroombit Dam]], the water level increased from 0.5% to 81% due to Beni.<ref name=droughttoflood>{{cite news|title=Drought one day, then flood in Qld|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/02/07/1044579937343.html|access-date=21 August 2012|newspaper=The Age|date=7 February 2003|agency=Australian Associated Press}}</ref> Water reserves were said to have replenished to five years' supply due to the storm.<ref name=importancegladstone>{{cite web|title=The Importance of Water in the Gladstone Industrial Area|url=http://www.csrm.uq.edu.au/docs/WiM2006%20Paper%20Corder%20Moran.pdf|access-date=23 August 2012|author=Corder, G.D.|author2=Moran, C.J.|publisher=[[University of Queensland]]|page=8|year=2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420093510/http://www.csrm.uq.edu.au/docs/WiM2006%20Paper%20Corder%20Moran.pdf|archive-date=20 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Flooding rains caused by Beni resulted in damages of at least [[Australian dollar|A]]$10&nbsp;million (US$6&nbsp;million) in Queensland {{#tag:ref|In order to convert the value of 10 million AUD, the values of the currencies were taken from their respective values on 5&nbsp;February 2003. For the value of 1 million USD, the values of the currencies were taken from their respective values on 30&nbsp;January 2003.|group="nb"}} One person drowned due to the flooding rains.<ref name=bom2002-03 /><ref name=benicost>{{cite news|title=Beni flood costs $10m|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/02/07/1044579927077.html|access-date=21 August 2012|newspaper=The Age|date=7 February 2003|agency=Australian Associated Press}}</ref> Furthermore, the name ''Beni'' was [[List of retired South Pacific tropical cyclone names|retired]] after the season.{{RA V Tropical cyclone operational plan}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
*[[Cyclone Erica]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=nb}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Cyclone Beni}}
{{SPAC EL's}}

{{Retired South Pacific cyclones}}
{{2002-03 South Pacific cyclone season buttons}}
{{2002–03 Australian region cyclone season buttons}}
{{Category 5 South Pacific severe tropical cyclones}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Beni (2003)}}
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in Queensland]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in New Caledonia]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in Vanuatu]]
[[Category:Category 5 South Pacific cyclones]]
[[Category:Retired South Pacific cyclones]]
[[Category:2002–03 South Pacific cyclone season]]
[[Category:2002–03 Australian region cyclone season]]
[[Category:Tropical cyclones in 2003|Beni]]

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Return to Cyclone Beni.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclone_Beni"