Higher than normal cyclone risk over Christmas period

Northern Territory residents are being urged to finalise any preparations for the current tropical cyclone season in the lead up to Christmas. The recommendation comes as the Manager of Darwin’s Severe Weather Section, Todd Smith, advised of a higher risk of a cyclone forming in our waters in the coming weeks.

“The first cyclone of the season typically develops when the monsoon trough forms to our north”, said Mr Smith, “and the current weather pattern is suggesting that this may happen in the coming weeks”.

The call comes as Territory residents are looking to the festive season, or heading south for the Christmas break.

The Director of the Northern Territory Emergency Service, Peter Davies, said that “people need to stay alert to the threats that we face living in the tropics.”

“We’re not saying for people to hold back on the festivities, but just have all your preparations in place soon, and stay aware of what forecasts the Bureau of Meteorology are issuing”.

Mr Davies also advised that people heading south for Christmas need to make sure their yards are tidy, in case a cyclone strikes while they are away.

Mr Smith said that at such an early stage, it is impossible to accurately predict the likely formation, track and severity of any individual cyclone that might occur, but people just need to be aware of the coming risk.

An assessment of the tropical cyclone threat for the next three days, updated daily, is available at: http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDD10610.shtml

For further information on warning services, go to the “Tropical Cyclone Information” section of the web page at: http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/cyclone/

Further information

Todd Smith
Bureau of Meteorology, Darwin
Phone (08) 8920 3820
Email ntsevere@bom.gov.au