Friday, February 7 2014
Updated tropical cyclone outlook - Cyclone risk increasing
Residents are urged to stay alert as the chance of a tropical cyclone forming increases during early February. Bureau of Meteorology acting Regional Manager for Severe Weather Services in WA, Brad Santos, said there is a moderate probability that a cyclone will develop over the weekend or during next week (8-12 February), so it is important that residents stay up to date with weather forecasts.
"Just because we have already had one severe cyclone impact along the Pilbara coast does not mean we won't experience another this season," Mr Santos said. "Residents need to stay prepared as we often get our worst impacts in the second half of the season."
The Department of Fire and Emergency Service's Assistant Commissioner - Country, Mr Chris Arnol, echoed this advice by reminding residents of northern WA that "we are in the middle of the cyclone and flood season, so it's important that people continue to remain vigilant. It is essential to have a plan in place so everyone in the family understands what cyclone warnings mean and what they must do. Preparations can be as simple as securing loose items around the home, trimming trees and preparing an emergency kit that includes a portable battery-operated radio."
To date there have been two tropical cyclones in the waters off the northwest coast. Alessia tracked eastward across the top end in November and Severe Tropical Cyclone Christine crossed the Pilbara coast near Roebourne on 31 December bringing strong winds and heavy rains.
Tropical cyclone seasonal outlook for the remainder of the season:
- Tropical cyclone may develop off the northwest coast by the coming weekend (8 February).
- Likely to see 2-3 tropical cyclones in the region during the second half of the season.
- Likelihood of at least one more coastal impact, with the significant risk that it could be a severe tropical cyclone.
Links to further information:
To view the Bureau's 2013/14Tropical Cyclone Seasonal Outlook go to:
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead/tc.shtml
For current warnings and further information on tropical cyclones go to:
http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/index.shtml
Information on preparing for cyclones is available from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Western Australia:
http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/
Further enquires to: Severe Weather Section
Ph. (08) 9263 2222; email: sevwx_wa@bom.gov.au
Severe Weather Section, Bureau of Meteorology, Perth.