Cardwell is one of the Gems of FNQ devastated by Cyclone Yasi in 2011, Yasi reached its peak intensity with 10-minute sustained winds of 125 mph (200 kilometer's per hour) and a pressure of 929 hPa (27.43 inches of mercury). At the same time, the JTWC estimated Yasi's winds to have topped out at 155 mph (250 kilometers per hour).