Cyclone awareness campaign launched

19/11/2015

The Bureau of Meteorology has today launched a new video as part of a cyclone awareness campaign aimed at improving understanding of tropical cyclone warnings.

The launch comes after the release of the Tropical Cyclone Outlook earlier this month, and a cyclone awareness campaign run through social media during November.

Building resilience in communities is vital, and it starts with the knowledge to prepare early and act appropriately when cyclone warnings are issued.

As we move into summer, it’s a time for family and holidays, but also a time of increased risk of severe weather. For staff at the Bureau and emergency services partners, it’s the busiest time of the year as we work around the clock to keep the community safe.

Bureau of Meteorology Deputy Director, Rob Webb, said the likelihood of severe weather events rapidly increases through spring and summer.

"While the strong El Niño in the tropical Pacific Ocean reduces the chances of an unusually active cyclone season, it’s not the number we’ll remember, it’s the impacts," said Mr Webb.

"Even one tropical cyclone can have a significant impact, particularly if it makes landfall in a heavily populated region, or an area vulnerable to storm surge and flooding.

"Enjoy the Australian summer, but make sure you keep one eye on the weather and be ready to act. There has always been at least one cyclone cross the Australian coast each year, including during El Niño seasons. Typically eleven tropical cyclones form in the Australian region during the November to April cyclone season, and four of these make landfall,” he added.

Media can download the Bureau’s Understanding Cyclone Intensity video and other media resources.