Coastal Wind Warnings

A change is in the wind

From 1 November 2006 the Bureau of Meteorology will be changing the way it describes wind conditions in the forecasts and warnings for Australian coastal waters when severe weather prevails.

In line with international standards the Bureau will introduce the terms 'storm force' and 'hurricane force' to describe wind conditions during extreme weather events that may affect coastal waters*, for example, in major tropical cyclones in the tropics or intense low pressure systems outside the tropics.

Warnings will now be issued whenever strong winds, gales, storm force or hurricane force winds are expected.

* Generally out to 60 nautical miles from the coast

Map of Coastal Waters Areas

Example wind warning

In the tropics, hurricane force winds are associated with severe tropical cyclones (Category 3 and above). An illustration of a coastal waters wind warning incorporating the new terminology follows. Wave heights can be influenced by the size and movement of the weather system, shallow waters and proximity to the coast.

Bureau wind warning categories
Strong wind 26 to 33 knots Probable wave heights around 3 to 5 metres*
Gale 34 to 47 knots Probable wave heights around 5 to 8 metres*
Storm force 48 to 63 knots Probable wave heights around 8 to 11 metres*
Hurricane force 64 knots or more Probable wave heights around 11 metres* or more

*Maximum waves may be up to twice the height. Images courtesy Environment Canada

Summary of wind warnings

One knot = one nautical mile per hour = 1.85 kilometres per hour
* Ten-minute averages

Wind warnings for coastal waters attempt to provide around a 24-hour lead time and are
normally renewed every six hours.

Please be aware wind gusts can be a further 40 per cent stronger than the average and maximum waves may be up to twice the height.

1300 telephone numbers

Bureau weather warnings are available by 1300 services and are charged at the cost of a local
call, more from mobile and public phones.

Enquiries

Please contact your local Bureau office or email webmar@bom.gov.au
or write to the
National Manager, Marine Weather Services
Bureau of Meteorology
GPO Box 1289
Melbourne VIC 3001

For a pdf copy of the 'Marine Wind Warning' brochure click here.