Tropical Cyclones

Cyclones are powerful weather systems that can cause significant damage. They are low pressure systems that develop over warm oceans in the tropics, and generally intensify over several days, generating severe winds, heavy rain and flooding. Cyclones produce very strong and potentially destructive winds that rotate clockwise around a calm centre (the ‘eye’). 

The severity of cyclones are expressed as categories one to five.

Cat 1 - Less than 125km/h Gales - Minimal house damage. Damage to some crops, trees and caravans. Boats may drag moorings.

Cat 2 - 126 - 164 km/h Destructive winds - Minor house damage. Significant damage to signs, trees and caravans. Heavy damage to some crops. Risk of power failure. Small boats may break moorings.

Cat 3 - 165 - 224 km/h Very destructive winds - Some roof and structural damage. Some caravans destroyed. Power failure likely.

Cat 4 - 225 - 279 km/h Extremely destructive winds - Significant roofing and structural damage. Many caravans destroyed and blown away. Dangerous airborne debris. Widespread power failures.

Cat 5 - More than 280km/h Extremely destructive winds - Extremely dangerous with widespread destruction.

What should I do to prepare for cyclones?

  • Prepare a household emergency plan and check your insurance
  • Pack an emergency kit and supplies in case you need to leave
  • Protect your vehicles and boats
  • Listen to advice from authorities and respond quickly

Monitor conditions  

Stay tuned to the Bureau of Meteorology flood warnings.

Opt-in for notifications from the Fraser Coast Disaster Dashboard

The Bureau of Meteorology issues a cyclone warning when a cyclone is expected a hit within 24 hours. Warnings identify communities likely to be hit, the name of the cyclone, its position, intensity, severity and movement. Communities under threat will be advised to take certain steps.

The Bureau of Meteorology Tropical Cyclone Forecast

Tune in to ABC Wide Bay Radio 100.1 mHz FM

Disasters and Emergencies