Tropical Cyclone Jenna

Severe Tropical Cyclone Jenna was a small but intense system in the Indian Ocean that passed just to east of Cocos (Keeling) Islands bringing a period of strong winds and heavy rainfall to the islands.

A low formed on 3 January 2026 in an active burst of westerly winds to the northwest of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The low was steered rapidly to the east on 4 January, then during 5 January the low turned south and passed very close to Cocos Island just as it developed into a tropical cyclone. The islands experienced a period of strong winds and heavy rainfall as Jenna moved to the east.

Cocos Island AWS recorded a maximum wind gust of 91 km/h and the Cocos Island National Tidal Centre AWS recorded a maximum wind gust of 94 km/h during the 5 January as Jenna passed very close to the islands. There was 70.2mm of rain recorded to 9 am CCT 6 January.

Jenna continued to move to the south-southwest while it intensified in a favourable environment, reaching a maximum intensity of Category 3 on 6 January. Jenna rapidly weakened during 7 January to below tropical cyclone intensity overnight from 7 to 8 January. The circulation then moved west out of the Australian region later on 9 January.

From www.bom.gov.au