About Barrow Island: In 1996 Cyclone Olivia drove a gust of 408 km/h across Barrow Island. It is the strongest surface wind gust ever recorded outside a tornado. The island is also a protected refuge for rare wildlife. That single gust beat the old record held by Mount Washington

Location: Off the coast of Western Australia · Country: Australia · Record: A gust of 408 km/h (253 mph) in 1996 · Cause: Made by the powerful Tropical Cyclone Olivia · Why So Windy: Tropical cyclones can spin up ferocious winds over the warm sea · Nature: A low, sandy island and wildlife refuge · Wildlife: A safe home for many rare Australian animals · World Rank: Holds the record for the strongest wind gust on Earth (not from a tornado)