http://www.ga.gov.

au/hazards/cyclone/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_cyclone
http://www.ntlib.nt.gov.au/tracy/advanced/Met/Cyclones.html
http://www.ga.gov.au/hazards/cyclone/causes.jsp
http://www.ga.gov.au/hazards/cyclone/where.jsp
What are tropical cyclones?
A tropical cyclone is basically an intense low-pressure system which as the same suggests is usually
developed in the warmer tropical waters in the north. In other parts of the world, tropical cyclones
are also known as typhoons or hurricanes but the term tropical cyclone is used for such events that
occur in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. To be classified as a tropical cyclone, strong sustained winds
of at least 63km/h must be developed. Tropical cyclones which generate stronger winds than this
are classified using the Beaufort Scale which is a scale of 12 wind forces. There are 5 major
categories ranging from a normal tropical cyclone to a category 5 severe tropical cyclone which is
extremely dangerous and can result in widespread destruction. However tropical cyclones not only
cause damaging winds but can also lead to a variety of other natural phenomena such as storm
surges, torrential rainfall or in very rare instances tornadoes.
How do tropical cyclones form?
Tropical cyclones develop and receive most of their energy from the warmer waters in the tropical
regions of Australia. Typically the ideal conditions for the development of a tropical cyclone include a
water temperature of around 26 degrees. Along with these warmer waters there must also be
unstable atmospheric conditions which usually are brought about by a low pressure system. The
process of cyclones formation begins when an area of low pressure corresponds with a strong
upward movement of air and the formation of a cumulonimbus cloud which is the type of cloud
associated with thunderstorms.
As the rate of convection increases, winds being to swirl into the centre as they are always moving
from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. Ultimately, the winds reach gale force and the
notorious spiral pattern of cloud begins to form. As long as the conditions remain favourable, the
cyclone will continue to develop and will form the characteristic eye of the cyclone. When the eye
has been fully formed, the cyclone is at its severe stage where it causes its greatest destruction. Only
about 50% of cyclones reach this critical stage though.
As the cyclone begins to move inland, away from the warm waters, it begins to lose some of its
energy and destructive power. This occurrence when the cyclones lose their intensity is known as
decay or dissipation. In Northern Australian however, most of the cyclones when they move inland
often remain as rain depressions despite having lost some of their intensity.
When/Where to Cyclones develop?
As I mentioned earlier, tropical cyclones source the majority of their energy from the warm waters
up north which is why the majority of cyclones that occur in Australia are in the North-East and
North-West quadrants of the country where the most moist and tropical regions of the country are.
This map of Australian tropical cyclone paths from 1900 onwards shows how the majority of
cyclones are found in these two broad sections of the country.
In terms of when tropical cyclones occur, the official cyclone season runs from 1
st
of November-30
th

of April with most occurring from December to April. The reason for this timing is because it is when
the temperature begins to warm over the summer months and also when the humidity levels are at
their highest.
How to Respond to a Tropical Cyclone:
When a tropical cyclone is less than 24hrs from reaching the mainland, residents who live in coastal
communities in the projected path of the cyclone are issued a warning from the Bureau of
Meteorology. The warning covers information regarding the cyclone such as its intensity, expected
path, maximum wind gusts and its last observed location. These warnings are issued every 3-6 hours
until the threat passes. Having received this information, it is up to each individual person to decide
whether to flee or to stay behind.
The bureau also issues advice about how people can best prepare for a tropical cyclone. Before the
cyclone season begins, it suggests that you prepare an emergency kit consisting of batteries, radio,
water, food and have emergency contacts on hand. When a cyclone warning has been issued they
suggest that you tie down any loose items outside that maybe be picked up by the wind and have
your vehicles stored under a solid shelter. Unless told otherwise, they advise that you remain
indoors and stay alert for the latest information. If you are told to evacuate, they ask that you do not
bring many personal items with you but rather only what you need to survive for a few days and
head to your nearest public shelter. When the cyclone strikes they ask that you turn of all electrical
appliances and stay under shelter at all costs.
After the cyclones had passed they warn you to still be on the lookout for heavy rain or flooding. In
the past, the government has often declared the affected area a natural disaster zone and provided
help to the residents in the form of financial and moral support. The SES and various other
emergency services help residents to clear damaged property and begin the process of rebuilding.
Some residents who have home insurance against tropical cyclones may also use this to cover the
costs of the cyclone.