Tropical Cyclone Outlook released, communities urged to prepare early

14/10/2013

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued its Tropical Cyclone Season Outlook for Australia today, reminding communities in northern regions to prepare now for the coming wet season.

The overall outlook is for near average tropical cyclone activity. The Tropical Cyclone Season Outlook uses sea surface temperature data and the Southern Oscillation Index to give an indication of what the coming season may bring. The current climate state is ‘neutral’, meaning there is neither a La Niña nor an El Niño acting to increase or decrease tropical cyclone activity around Australia.

More than a century of weather observations show that around 11 tropical cyclones form in the Australian region during a typical wet season. Around half of these have at least some impact on coastal regions, mainly affecting Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland.

Cyclones sometimes track through more than one region; with an average of seven occurring in the west, three in the north and four in the east. While not all of these will cross the coast, the risk of even a single cyclone or flood makes preparation vitally important.

The Bureau of Meteorology operates tropical cyclone warning centres in its Perth, Darwin and Brisbane regional forecasting centres. Specialist forecasters work around the clock with emergency service partners to keep the community informed during tropical cyclone events.

The Bureau of Meteorology recommends people contact their local State Emergency Service for practical information on emergency plans and kits.