Territorians are being urged to prepare for cyclones and associated severe weather, with the official start to the Tropical Cyclone season beginning 1 November.
Warmer ocean temperatures and the increasing chance of a La Niña forming later this year have contributed to the Bureau predicting an 'average to above average' number of Cyclones this Cyclone Season, which extends from November to April.
The average number of Tropical Cyclones per season across Australia is 11, which includes 2 to 3 in the Northern Region.
There has been a trend in recent decades for fewer Tropical Cyclones to occur, but of these more are reaching severe strength with higher intensity rainfall.
While the Bureau's Tropical Cyclone Outlook, released last month, provides guidance about whether the season will be more or less active than normal, it only takes one system to significantly impact a community, and many Darwin residents will still remember the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Marcus in March 2018.
Tropical Cyclones and Tropical Lows can cause significant impacts to property and lives bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, flooding and storm surges.
Last Cyclone Season, two Tropical Cyclones (Imogen and Marian) and one significant Tropical Low (08U) travelled through Northern Territory waters. These systems stayed away from the NT coast except for in early January when Groote Eylandt and Mornington Island were impacted by a tropical low that went on to be named TC Imogen and move east over Queensland.
Across the Australian region there were 8 tropical cyclones during 2020/21 season.
Bureau of Meteorology NT manager Shenagh Gamble said Territorians need to prepare for the weather and flood hazards that occur every Cyclone Season.
"Tropical cyclones and tropical lows can all bring heavy rainfall that can lead to flooding. With an above average Wet Season on the cards, people are encouraged to revisit their emergency plans for floods as well as cyclones," Ms Gamble said.
"The Bureau of Meteorology monitors developing tropical weather systems 24 hours a day during the cyclone season, and we encourage all Territorians to pay attention to our forecasts and warnings, as well as any emergency advice provided by NTES during events."
NTES Manager Northern Command Mark Cunnington said, "Emergency Service volunteers are preparing for the season ahead, undertaking training and equipment checks".
"People are encouraged to prepare their emergency kits, ensure your kit will sustain you and your household for up to three days including items such as food, water and battery operated radio.
"Don't risk the lives of you and your passengers by driving through flooded roads. It's simple, plan ahead and if it's flooded - forget it.
"Know the warning services, and plan for what you and your family will do in the event of a flood or tropical cyclone. Listen to advice provided by the Emergency Services and visit the Secure NT website for further information about being prepared for a severe weather event."
Summary of the Tropical Cyclone Seasonal Outlook for Northern Region:
- On average 2 to 3 Cyclones form in NT waters each Cyclone Season, with 1 to 2 crossing the coast
- ~57% chance of an above average number of tropical cyclones in the Northern Region
- ~65% chance of an above average number of tropical cyclones in Australia (long-term average is 11, with fewer in recent decades)
More information:
- Alerts and Warnings: securent.nt.gov.au/alerts
- Tropical cyclone warnings and information: bom.gov.au/cyclone
- National Tropical Cyclone Outlook: bom.gov.au/climate/cyclones/australia
- NT rainfall and river conditions: bom.gov.au/nt/flood/
- Preparing for cyclones: securent.nt.gov.au/prepare-for-an-emergency/weather-events/cyclones
- Tropical Cyclone Knowledge Centre: bom.gov.au/cyclone/tropical-cyclone-knowledge-centre/
PFES Med: (08) 8985 8829
Bureau of Meteorology Media and Communications NT: (08) 8920 3813
