The Tropical Cyclones Historical Archive is a unique collection of books, journal articles, conference proceedings, historical photographs, personal recollections and data on tropical cyclones, particularly focussing on cyclones that have occurred in the Australian, Indian and Asian region. The information relates to historical theories on the laws of storms and historical descriptions of tropical cyclone and storm occurrences.

The Archive has been developed in the National Meteorological Library with research assistance provided by the Bureau of Meteorology Research Centre. The Archive was established in support of the objectives of the Tropical Cyclone Coastal Impacts Program.

All Archive items are integrated into the collection of the National Meteorological Library, with rare material being safely kept in the Library’s Preservation Room. The Archive contains approximately 1,000 items of historical information and original publications extending back to the 17^th century, and has some rare items that are not available elsewhere in Australia. Most of the items are dated before 1975.

Some of the historical items that can be found in the Archive include Henry Piddington’s memoirs on the Law of Storms, Francis Bacon’s Historia Naturalis de ventis, and books and journal articles by James Capper, William Redfield, William Reid, James Espy, Robert Hare and Elias Loomis. Of the Australian material, there are photographs of cyclone and flood damage to towns from 1918, video footage and a sound recording of Cyclone Althea, and personal accounts of cyclone experiences from Western Australia and Queensland.

Due to the age and rarity of most of the items contained in the Tropical Cyclones Historical Archive, they are not available for loan. For further information, contact your local library to discuss Interlibrary Loan arrangements, or visit the National Meteorological Library in Melbourne, Australia. Telephone (03)9669 4472 to arrange an appointment.