Cyclone Bernie developed into a category 1 tropical cyclone 3 April 1982 around the Solomon Islands. The cyclone subsequently moved south-westward through the Coral Sea, where it continued to intensify and move over the next few days. During 6 April, the system peaked as a Category 4 severe tropical cyclone passing 400 west of New Caledonia. After the cyclone had peaked, it accelerated south-eastwards around the subtropical ridge while gradually weakened and transitioning into an extratropical cyclone.  

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Ex-TC Bernie approached the Upper North Island on 8 April as deepening strong mid-latitude cyclone. on 9 April with the ship 'Forum Samoa', about 300 km east of North Cape reporting a minimum pressure of 967 hPa.  Extensive rain and gales lashed all areas of the Upper North Island on the 9th with flooding, tree damage and land slips being extensive across the region. 

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