NASA MODIS Image of the Day: March 11, 2007 – Tropical Cyclone George
After crossing Australia’s Northern Territory and triggering floods, Cyclone George skimmed along the Australian coast, steadily gaining power. By the time the storm took a sharp turn towards shore and headed towards Port Hedland in northern Western Australia on March 8, 2007, the cyclone packed sustained winds of 200 kilometers per hour (127 miles per hour, 110 knots) with gusts to 250 km/hr (155 mph, 135 knots).
The MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite captured this image on March 8, at 10:55 a.m., local time (1:55 UTC). Though the storm lacks a distinct eye, the dense concentration of swirling clouds attests to the storm’s power. The storm has a very distinct edge, which contrasts with the reddish land beneath it.