Essential Preparation Tips for Your Home and Family During Australia's Cyclone Season
- Kellie Williams
- 6 days ago
- 7 min read
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Cyclone season and the wet season bring some of the most intense and disruptive weather across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Tropical cyclones, tropical lows, severe storms, destructive winds and flooding can impact communities with limited warning, making early preparation essential.
At Oz Industries Forecasting, we specialise in long-range weather intelligence to help households, businesses and regional communities plan well before traditional modelling identifies a threat. Our timing-based methods highlight periods of elevated cyclone and tropical-low potential months ahead, giving industries and residents additional lead time to prepare, mitigate risk and strengthen resilience for the season ahead.
This guide outlines cyclone-season timing, high-risk regions across northern Australia, the steps to prepare your home, what to include in a cyclone emergency kit and how to stay safe during the wet season. It is supported by official information from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), State Emergency Services and state disaster authorities.
Western Australia experiences the highest frequency of tropical cyclones nationally, particularly across the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, where long-track systems regularly move toward the coast. Queensland’s east coast and the Northern Territory Top End also face significant seasonal exposure, especially between December and March.
Understanding Cyclone Season in Australia: Key Facts and Timing
Australia’s cyclone season runs from 1 November to 30 April each year.
This period overlaps with the wet season in northern Queensland, the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia. During these months, monsoonal bursts, tropical lows and increased humidity create conditions favourable for severe weather.
Cyclone-season impacts often include:
• Heavy rainfall and flash flooding
• Damaging winds
• Hazardous seas and storm surge
• Thunderstorms
• Infrastructure and power disruption
• Road closures and supply delays
Australia’s Highest-Risk Cyclone Regions: WA, QLD and the NT
Western Australia (Kimberley & Pilbara)
Western Australia records the largest share of Australia’s cyclone impacts, historically accounting for about 40 percent of all landfalls.
High exposure regions include:
• Broome
• Port Hedland
• Karratha
• Dampier
• Wickham
• Exmouth
In a typical season:
• 5–7 cyclones develop in the Western Australian region
• 2–3 cross the coast
• Most Western Australian impacts occur from December to April
North and Far North Queensland
• North Tropical Coast
• Herbert Lower Burdekin
• Cape York Peninsula
• Gulf of Carpentaria communities
Northern Territory (Top End & Arnhem regions)
• Darwin region
• Kakadu
• Arnhem Land
Torres Strait Islands
These areas face annual risk from destructive winds, flooding and storm surge. Remote regions may also experience delayed recovery due to distance and access limitations.
How to Prepare Your Home for Cyclone Season
The following steps align with guidance from the Queensland Government, Northern Territory Emergency Services, DFES Western Australia and national building authorities.
1. Secure and reinforce your home
• Inspect roofing, screws and cyclone tie-downs
• Install storm shutters or secure plywood over windows
• Anchor sheds, water tanks and loose structures
• Remove or secure outdoor items such as furniture and toys
2. Clear gutters and drains
Clearing gutters, downpipes and drains reduces the risk of water entering the roof cavity during intense rainfall.
3. Trim trees and remove hazardous branches
Use licensed professionals for work near powerlines.
4. Create an evacuation plan
• Identify your closest evacuation centre
• Map out flood-safe travel routes
• Plan for children, pets and vulnerable family members
• Ensure your whole household understands the plan
5. Choosing a Safe Room During a Cyclone: What You Need to Know
When sheltering at home during a cyclone, identify the safest room in advance. Choose a space that:
• is away from large windows and glass doors
• is located on the lowest level of the home
• has solid walls (preferably internal, not external)
• is in the centre of the house, such as a hallway, bathroom, laundry or storeroom
• has a sturdy door that can be closed securely
Rooms built from masonry, brick or reinforced materials offer greater protection than lightweight construction. Bathrooms and laundries often provide additional safety due to small window sizes and reinforced wall frames. Avoid rooms with wide glass panels or large roof spans.
Have your emergency kit, torches, charged phone and essential medications inside this safe space before conditions deteriorate. Families should gather in this room before peak winds arrive and remain there until official updates confirm it is safe to leave.
6. Stay informed using official sources
Early preparation reduces stress during developing weather and ensures your household can act quickly if conditions change.
Cyclone Emergency Kit Checklist: Essential Items for Every Household
Emergency agencies recommend preparing for at least three days of self-sufficiency. Keep your kit in a waterproof container in an easy-to-access location.
Water & Food
• 3–4 litres of water per person per day
• Non-perishable food (tins, long-life meals, dried fruit, muesli bars)
• Manual can opener
• Infant food if applicable
Communication & Lighting
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Fully charged power banks
• Torches/lanterns with spare batteries
• Fuel for your generator
Medical & Personal Items
• First aid kit
• Prescription medications (one-week supply recommended)
• Bandages, antiseptic and pain relief
• Hygiene items such as wipes, sanitiser and toilet paper
Documents & Essentials
Store in a waterproof pouch:
• Identification
• Insurance papers
• Emergency contacts
• Medical information
• Cash
Protective Gear & Tools
• Multi-tool
• Duct tape
• Gloves
• Raincoat and sturdy footwear
• Emergency whistle
• Spare keys
• Pet supplies
Full emergency kit guidance:
Wet Season Safety Tips for Northern Australia
Even without a cyclone, the wet season brings flooding, lightning, rising rivers and dangerous travel conditions.
Never drive through floodwaters
Just 30 cm of water can move a vehicle.
Stay indoors during severe storms
Keep away from windows and electrical appliances including powerlines.
Prepare for power outages
Have torches accessible, charge devices, generator and keep shelf-stable food on hand.
Monitor official warnings
Move to higher ground early if flooding occurs
Follow emergency service instructions without delay.
Official Australian Cyclone and Emergency Warning Sources
Use the following official Australian sources for accurate, real-time information:
Frequently Asked Questions About Cyclones in Australia
1. When does cyclone season peak?
Peak activity usually occurs between January and March, although cyclones can develop anytime from November to April.
2. How many cyclones affect Australia each year?
Australia typically sees 9–11 tropical cyclones, with around half crossing the coast. Western Australia historically records the most landfalls.
3. What is storm surge?
Storm surge is a rise in sea level caused by a cyclone’s wind and pressure, often leading to dangerous coastal inundation.
4. What is the difference between a cyclone watch and warning?
• Cyclone Watch: Possible impacts within 48 hours
• Cyclone Warning: Expected impacts within 24 hours
5. How early are cyclones detected?
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) typically identifies potential tropical development several days in advance, issuing formal warnings once a system forms or begins to strengthen near the Australian region.
In addition to official forecasts, Oz Industries Forecasting provides long-range guidance on cyclone genesis windows and likely development zones months ahead, using timing-based atmospheric indicators. Our member updates highlight elevated risk periods and likely regions well before short-range models begin to detect circulation, giving communities and industries additional lead time to prepare during the build-up to the season.
6. Should I evacuate during a cyclone?
Follow local emergency instructions. Evacuate early if advised or if you live in a storm surge zone.
7. How long can outages last?
Power and water outages may last from several hours to several weeks or more depending on damage and location.
8. How long should my cyclone kit last?
Prepare for at least three days, but five days is ideal in remote regions or high-risk areas.
9. What should I do with pets during a cyclone?
Include pets in your evacuation and emergency planning. Pack food, carriers and medical items.
10. Is tap water safe after a cyclone?
Tap water safety depends on the level of damage to local infrastructure. Always follow advice from your local water authority, as pipes, pumps and treatment systems can be affected by flooding or power loss. In some regions, a boil-water notice may be issued until treatment systems are fully restored.
Many residents also choose to fill bathtubs, sinks and containers with clean water before a cyclone crosses, as this provides an immediate supply for washing, cleaning and toilet flushing if services are disrupted. This stored water should not be used for drinking unless it has been boiled or treated appropriately.
Download Your Cyclone Emergency Checklist (PDF)
This printable checklist includes water and food guidelines, essential tools, medical items and important documents to prepare before a cyclone.
Long-Range Cyclone Outlooks and Seasonal Guidance
Stay Ahead of Cyclone Season with Long-Range Intelligence
Cyclone preparedness is strongest when supported by early, reliable insight. At Oz Industries Forecasting, our long-range forecasting methods identify elevated cyclone and tropical-low windows months in advance, giving households, farmers and regional industries the time they need to prepare confidently.
To access ongoing cyclone updates, long-range rainfall outlooks, tropical development timing and member-only guidance:
Stay informed with our long-range weather intelligence and seasonal forecasts.
Receive timing alerts, district-level forecasts, monthly reports and early warnings directly from our forecasting team.
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