Cyclone

Tropical cyclones are low-pressure systems that form over warm tropical waters.

A tropical low becomes a cyclone when there are wind gusts of more than 90km/h around its centre. When the wind gusts reach 165km/h, it’s categorised as a severe tropical cyclone.

Once formed, cyclones can continue for many days, even weeks, and may follow quite erratic paths.

Cyclones can impact the north west coast from November to April. Other areas like the Midwest-Gascoyne and Goldfields-Midlands often experience flooding as a cyclone moves south.

Cyclones can be severe and cross the WA coast every year with destructive winds, torrential rainfall, flooding, dangerous storm surge and heavy swells.

CYCLONE CATEGORIES

Cyclones are categorised according to their strength. There are five categories: Category 1 is the weakest and Category 5 is the strongest.
Category Maximum Wind Speed (km/h) Typical Strongest Gust (km/h) Typical Effects
1 63 - 88 < 125 Damaging winds. Negligible house damage. Damage to some crops, trees and caravans. Craft may drag moorings.
2 89 - 117 125 – 164 Destructive winds. Minor house damage. Significant damage to signs, trees and caravans. Heavy damage to some crops. Risk of power failure. Small craft may break moorings.
3 118 - 159 165 - 224 Very destructive winds. Some roof and structural damage. Some caravans destroyed. Power failures likely.
4 160 - 199 225 - 279 Significant roofing loss and structural damage. Many caravans destroyed and blown away. Dangerous airborne debris. Widespread power failures.
5 > 200 > 279 Extremely dangerous with widespread destruction.

CYCLONE PREPERATION

One of the most important things that any individual can do is to prepare their property for the cyclone season.
Preparing your property means damage is minimized, which may contribute to the saving of both life and property.
The State Emergency Service (SES) recommend that the following be undertaken prior to any cyclone:
  • Clear your residence or work area of unwanted materials and rubbish
  • Trim trees of excess height and growth to enable them to withstand high winds.
  • Clear drains of rubbish or obstructions.
  • Prepare or review your Family Cyclone Plan.
  • Prepare and have available your family emergency kit including adequate drinking water containers.
  • Decide where best to shelter your pets.
  • Organize tie down areas and obtain tie down equipment for securing caravans, boats, trailers and other large loose or bulky items.

DURING A CYCLONE

DFES issues alerts when a cyclone is approaching. The three stages of alerts are: Advice, Watch and Act and Emergency Warning.

The AWS is a national approach to emergency information that aims to deliver consistent warnings to Australian communities, so people know what they need to do to stay safe in an emergency, no matter where they are.
Consistent warning levels, colours and hazard icons supported by a clear and concise action statement will make warnings easier to understand.

AFTER A CYCLONE

Be aware that there may be debris or other hazards still present even after the all-clear has been given by authorities.
Flood waters could clog storm water systems, and residents need to be aware of the dangers or playing in or around storm drains, ditches, ravines or culverts as it is very easy to be washed away by fast-moving water.


Put some thought into what you and your family might do following a cyclone. Loved ones may need to shelter in different places (at work, for instance), normal communications may be difficult and power could be cut.


It is important to keep emergency contact numbers on hand, and knowing the basics of first-aid is also encouraged.

WELFARE CENTERS

If an evacuation is required, the police or DFES/SES will advise you on what actions you will need to take.
If you need to evacuate, consider seeking refuge with a friend or colleague who lives on higher ground.
The ³Ô¹ÏÍø will identify the buildings as welfare centers for people who do not have adequate accommodation during a cyclone.

Welfare centers will only be opened on the advice of DFES/SES and manned by the Department of Communities.
For further information regarding welfare centers, please contact the Department of Communities on (08) 9160 2800.

STAYING INFORMED

Radio
Community Alerts are available on the local radio, ABC Midwest and television stations. It is a good idea to have a battery-operated AM/FM radio with extra batteries on hand to keep up to date with the regular updates broadcasted.


Available Radio Stations for Geraldton and Midwest

  • ABC MIDWEST & WHEATBELT

Download the ABC Listen App on Apple or Android devices, and select ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt - Note this will only be accessible if mobile data signal is available.

Television

Keep your eye on the weather forecasts on all free to air channels.


Websites and APPS