Tropical cyclone Alby formed north-west of Port Hedland and was detected on 27 March 1978. The cyclone moved close to the south-west corner of Western Australia on 4 April 1978, killing five people. Though widespread, the damage in the south-west area was generally minor.

Storm surges and large waves caused coastal inundation and erosion from Perth to Busselton, while very strong winds caused fires that burned hectares of forest and farming land. In terms of damage it is estimated that Alby was the most devastating storm on record to affect the south-western areas of Western Australia.

The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1978 damage at $13 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $265 million.