Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Climatology | Impacts | Extremes| TCs affecting WA towns | Forecast Accuracy
Frequently Asked Questions | Annual summaries

Definitions | Characteristics and Formation | Climatology | Extremes | Forecasting | More Information

Climatology

3. What is the most cyclone-prone region in Australia?

The northwest of Western Australia between Broome and Exmouth is the most cyclone prone part of Australia's coastline. This is also the region most prone to severe cyclone impacts. Seventy-two of the total of 146 coastal crossings in Australia between 1970-71 and 2003-04 were in WA. Thirty-four of the total 42 severe cyclone crossings occurred in WA and most of these occurred between Broome and Exmouth. In WA this equates to 2.2 cyclone crossings per year, one of which is severe on average.

Tropical cyclone crossings in Australia 1970-71 to 2001-02. Black dots represent non-severe cyclone crossings and red dots severe cyclone crossings.