The Cyclone, which blew in as a storm on 25 March 1935, hit northern Western Australia and the Lacepede Islands on 26 March, causing strong winds of up to 130 km per hour in Broome and Derby. Buildings lost roofs, trees were uprooted and vessels were torn from moorings. As many as 20 pearling luggers were destroyed with another 16 significantly damaged.

In Broome one house was destroyed and the ice works and four hotels damaged. The power system failed and many pearling camps were demolished. Very little rain accompanied the storm but huge seas were reported, and very high tides followed.

Up to 142 men, mainly pearlers, drowned in the cyclone.