What should I do to prepare my home for a cyclone or severe storm?
Secure loose items around your home, check your roof’s condition, clear gutters, and repair broken window seals. Prepare your vehicle and move valuables and electrical items to higher ground. For more details on preparing your home, visit Prepare Your Home for Extreme Weather.
What items should I include in my emergency kit for severe weather events?
Your emergency kit should include water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, a flashlight, batteries, medications, a radio, and personal hygiene items. Consider any specific needs, such as baby supplies or pet food. Don't forget to have an emergency kit for your pets. For a complete list, download and print the Emergency Kit Checklist.
What is a tropical cyclone?
Tropical cyclones (TCs) are low-pressure systems that develop over the warm oceans off the northern coasts of Australia. TCs can produce very strong winds, storm surge, heavy rainfall, and flooding. The severity of a TC is described using a five-category system based on the strongest wind speeds near the centre of the cyclone.
What is the difference between a cyclone, storm surge, and storm tide?
A cyclone is a powerful weather system with strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding, which can cause significant damage. A storm surge is a rise in water levels along the coast due to strong winds and low pressure. A storm tide combines the storm surge with normal tidal movements. The most dangerous impacts occur when the storm surge coincides with a high tide.
How much notice will be provided ahead of a tropical cyclone?
The Bureau of Meteorology will issue Tropical Cyclone Advice when a tropical cyclone is likely to cause gale-force winds or stronger within the next 48 hours. This lets people know when and how they may be affected.
This includes:
- a Tropical Cyclone Watch, updated every 6 hours when gales are expected to start within 24–48 hours
- a Tropical Cyclone Warning every 3 hours when gales are expected within 24 hours or already happening.
What kind of damage can be expected from a tropical cyclone?
Cyclones can cause significant damage, including severe winds that may cause structural damage to homes and buildings. Properties that are older, poorly maintained, or in exposed positions are at greater risk. Common types of damage include:
- Roofs blown away
- Damage to verandahs and roofs due to rot or termite-affected timber
- Failure of inadequately secured gutters and eaves
- Wind-driven rain entering buildings through vents, under flashings, or through windows and sliding doors
- Broken doors and windows caused by wind-borne debris
- Garage doors being blown in or out
Coastal properties may also experience damage from waves, debris, and soil erosion, exposing building foundations.
What should I do if a tropical cyclone is approaching?
Stay informed and follow official warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology and local authorities. Have an emergency plan, pack an emergency kit, and know your evacuation routes. Trust only reliable sources for updates and avoid rumours.
How can I receive severe weather alerts in Queensland?
For official weather updates, visit the Bureau of Meteorology’s Severe Weather Warnings page. You can also check your local council’s disaster dashboard through the Get Ready Queensland website for local alerts and information.
During an emergency, where can I locate up-to-date information?
For the latest updates during a disaster, visit During a Disaster.