Tropical cyclone activity in the Southern Hemisphere reaches its peak from mid-February to early March.

Tropical Cyclone Bebe was a pre-season storm that impacted the Gilbert, Ellice, and Fiji island groups.

Its course began along a south-southwest trajectory before recurving near the 14th parallel south, which resulted in a south-southeast motion through the western portion of the Fiji island group.

The Ellice Islands Colony's ship Moanaraoi was in the lagoon and survived, however 3 tuna boats were wrecked.

Five people died, two adults and a 3 month old child were swept away by waves, and two sailors from the tuna boats were drowned.