Tropical cyclone Justin developed on 7 March 1997 after two lows merged in a very active monsoon trough in the Coral Sea. Justin sat in the Coral Sea for three days, causing high winds and huge swells. Maximum intensity was recorded on 9 March; the cyclone was downgraded to a tropical low on 13 March. Justin then drifted north and re-intensified to tropical cyclone strength on 14 March, reaching peak intensity on 18 March before weakening and crossing the coast north-west of Cairns on 22 March.
The cyclone caused damage between Townsville and Cairns; bringing heavy rainfall, large seas and gale to storm-force winds. One person was killed in a landslide at Paluma, near Townsville; another person died from electrocution due to a fallen power line at Innisfail, 70 kilometres south-south-east of Cairns.
Thirty people died in Papua New Guinea earlier in the life cycle of the cyclone event. A further five people died when their yacht was destroyed. As a result of the cyclone, the agricultural industry reportedly suffered losses of around $150 million with a total cost of $205 million.