Cyclone Season in Australia is between November and April.

Cyclones are violent storms that contain high winds rotating around a calm centre of low pressure. Winds produced can be in excess of 200km/hr which can cause extensive damage, and can result in death or injury caused by flooding, buildings collapsing or fling debris.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is Australia's national weather, climate and water agency. Its expertise and services assist Australians in dealing with the harsh realities of their natural environment including drought, floods, fires, storms, tsunami and tropical cyclones. For more information visit www.bom.gov.au

Cyclone Categories

Cyclones are categorised into 5 categories and when a cyclone warning is issued, these categories will help you determine what level of precautions you will need to take, and what damage can result.

It is important to have a thorough understanding of cyclones and the impact that they can have on our Region. Ensure you take the time to watch Rockhampton Regional Council's Disasters Happen DVD and take the necessary precautions.

Cyclone Warnings

A tropical Cyclone Warning includes information on were the cyclone is, what its movement and direction is, and how strong it is  and, identifies the areas that could be affected or at risk.

Tropical cyclone watch: Issued if a cyclone is expected to affect coastal communities within 48 hours, but not expected within 24 hours.

Tropical cyclone warning: Issued if a cyclone is affecting or is expected to affect coastal communities within 24 hours. 

Information on current cyclone warnings can be found at the BOM website www.bom.gov.au.

 Be Prepared!

To be prepared in the event of a cyclone, check your house and roof is in good condition; trim tree branches well clear of your house; clear property of loose sheet iron and other potential missiles (including outdoor furniture); prepare an emergency kit including a battery-operated radio; upon a Cyclone Warning, listen to radio (837AM ABC) and/or television for further advice. 

Make sure you fill as many water containers as possible close shutters, board up or heavily tape all windows, prepare the strongest part of your building (usually an internal hallway or bathroom) using strong tables and mattresses and beware of the eye of the storm.

As a property owner you will need to identify whether you will evacuate your property or wait the cyclone out within your home. Properties constructed after 1982 are generally structurally sounds to with stand a cyclone.

A storm surge is a done of water produced by a cyclone, and can be many kilometres wide and several metres higher than a normal tide. Storm surges may have abnormally high tides, destructive wave action and can result in increased flooding.

All cyclones produce storm surges but all surges are not dangerous, it will depend on the strength of the cyclone, its speed, the shape of the sea floor, the features of the land, the angle it crosses, the coast and most importantly WHEN it makes landfall.

Be Prepared!

Always be prepared for the likelihood of a storm surge during cyclone season. If you live in a low-lying coastal area look at the storm surge map that shows the possible impact it can have on your area, ensure your property is adequately prepared by taking the necessary precautions for a cyclone, and those neccessary for normal flooding.

The storm surge maps available indicates the approximate storm surge inundation limits. These limits depend on the severity of the cyclone and other external factors.

Resources

Be Prepared - Disasters Happen DVD
Emergency Action Guide Booklet
Surviving Cyclones: Preparation and Safety Procedures
Current Tropical Cyclone Warnings
Department of Environment and Heritage Protection - Wave Monitoring
Department of Environment and Heritage Protection - Storm Tide Monitoring

Storm Tide Maps for the Rockhampton Region

Storm Tide Map - OverviewStorm Tide Map - Bangalee to Yeppoon
Storm Tide Map - Emu Park
Storm Tide Map - Farnborough to Bangalee
Storm Tide Map - Keppel Sands
Storm Tide Map - Kinka Beach to Zilzie
Storm Tide Map - Lammermoor to Rosslyn Bay
Storm Tide Map - Mulambin to Kinka Beach 1
Storm Tide Map - Mulambin to Kinka Beach 2
Storm Tide Map - Mulambin Beach to Emu Park
Storm Tide Map - Yeppoon to Rosslyn Bay
Storm Tide Map - Zilzie