The 1960–61 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was one of the least active South-West Indian Ocean cyclone seasons on record. It only had 6 tropical depressions, 5 named storms, 4 tropical storms, and 1 cyclone, Doris. Additionally, none of its storms made landfall, therefore it had almost no deaths or damage. The season was also the second with named storms, the first being 1959–60.[1]
Systems
Tropical Storm Anna
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Duration
November 11 – November 14
Peak intensity
65 km/h (40 mph) (1-min);
Ana existed from November 11 to November 14. Its peak intensity was 65 kilometers an hour, or 40 miles per hour, in 1-minute maximum sustained winds.[1]
Unnamed tropical depression
A tropical depression briefly existed in the northeast portion of the basin from November 29–30. Its peak intensity is currently unknown.[1]
Tropical Storm Barbara
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Duration
November 29 – December 3
Peak intensity
85 km/h (50 mph) (1-min);
Barbara existed from November 27 to December 3. In 1-minute maximum sustained winds, its peak intensity was 85 miles per hour. That is equal to 50 kilometers per hour. For its whole duration, it stayed away from land.[1]
Tropical Storm Clara
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Duration
January 1 – January 6
Peak intensity
85 km/h (50 mph) (1-min);
Clara, a slow-moving tropical cyclone, lasted from January 1 to January 6 and, twice, nearly made landfall. On New Year's Day, it formed near Madagascar. Moving west-northwestward, Clara reached its peak intensity of 85 mph (50 km/h). As it dissipated, Clara's remnants drifted over Mozambique.[1]
Tropical Cyclone Doris
Category 1 tropical cyclone (SSHWS)
Duration
January 24 – February 2
Peak intensity
150 km/h (90 mph) (1-min);
Doris was the only storm of the season to reach cyclone strength. On January 24, 1961, it formed east of Madagascar. A few days later, Doris reached its peak intensity, with 1-minute maximum sustained winds of 90 mph or 150 km/h. Moving southeast, it began to weaken. Doris finally dissipated on February 2, lasting 9 days.[1]
Tropical Depression Eva
Tropical depression (SSHWS)
Duration
February 7 – February 10
Peak intensity
55 km/h (35 mph) (1-min);
On February 7, 1961, the final storm of the season, Eva, formed. However, it soon encountered unfavorable conditions, and dissipated on February 10, 3 days later. Its 1-minute peak intensity was 55 km/h (35 mph).[1]
