The low slowly strengthened and was named Rosita on 17 April, while located approximately 670 kilometres (420 mi) to the north of Port Hedland at about 6 p.m. WST (1000 UTC).

On 19 April, Rosita turned to the east-southeast and intensified rapidly to a Category 5 severe cyclone, with an estimated central pressure of 930 hPa.

Once over land, Rosita accelerated to speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph) into the Great Sandy Desert, only weakening gradually.

Rosita passed close to the community of Balgo at around 10 p.m. WST (1400 UTC) on 20 April, about 700 kilometres (430 mi) from the coast.

Staff and guests at the Eco Beach tourist resort received warnings from Rosita early on 19 April and made a timely return to Broome before the cyclone hit.

[2] The largest impact occurred near the core of very destructive winds about 40 km (25 mi) south of Broome.

Another station homestead, 7 km (4.3 mi) west, was covered by coastal dunes but escaped major damage to its structure.

[1] The most severe structural damage occurred near Cape Villaret, 40 km (25 mi) south-southwest of Broome.

About 60 km (37 mi) of fencing was pushed over, all windmills were destroyed, and about 200 head of cattle were lost, mostly due to drowning from the storm surge.

Some damages to trees and property were reported in the community of Balgo Hills, located in the Great Sandy Desert approximately 700 km (430 mi) inland from the coast.

Linesmen from Western Power were called in from afar to inspect all high voltage distribution lines before these could be re-energised.

Western Power inspectors were also flown in from around the state to commence disconnections of properties suspected to have suffered water intrusion.

Television and radio were limited to transmissions from Perth, and this proved difficult to access information about any available supplies in the town.

People had difficulties purchasing food and supplies because supermarkets were closed or had no power and there was no fresh produce arriving.

SES workers worked to help the community recover, tarping damaged roofs and clearing debris from roads and around houses where it limited access from residents.

Volunteers from other Western Australian cities and towns such as Perth, Bunbury, Karratha, Derby and Tom Price had arrived to assist with requests for help.

Car hire companies that had been booked out for the holiday period had people returning vehicles early.