Cyclone Kirrily in North Queensland: How to Deal With Cyclone?

Cyclone Kirrily Facts

Queensland is prepared for its second cyclone of the season, with a low-pressure system likely to build into Tropical Cyclone Kirrily later on Wednesday. The storm follows Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which caused disastrous flooding in far north Queensland in mid-December. Experts believe that abnormally high temperatures at the ocean's surface in the Coral Sea are hastening the formation of Kirrily. (Data Source: ABC News)

The tropical low steadily growing in the Coral Sea is anticipated to become a cyclone later on Wednesday as it moves southwest towards the Queensland coast. According to the BoM (Bureau of Meteorology), the system, moving at only 8 kilometres per hour on Wednesday morning, will likely cross as a category two cyclone on Thursday night, with wind gusts of up to 150 km/h.

It will land between Cardwell and Bowen and begin affecting the coast and islands by Wednesday night. The warning zone now includes several coastal municipalities from Ayr to Sarina, including the Whitsundays.

Queensland's newest storm is still in its early stages, spinning off the coast as a tropical low. It is expected to bring heavy rain to parts of Queensland. When a cyclone causes a power outage, a portable solar generator, such as the Jackery Solar Generator, which generates electricity from solar energy or can be recharged via wall outlets and carports, looks to be an even more important item.

Tropical Low

Tropical cyclones originate as weaker circulations called 'tropical lows' (low-pressure systems). Despite having lower wind speeds than cyclones, tropical lows can nevertheless pack a punch, delivering violent thunderstorms and heavy rain.

Tropical cyclones are low-pressure systems that develop over warm tropical oceans. Tropical cyclones can last for several days, even weeks. They may take somewhat irregular courses. Tropical lows are moderate-strength low-pressure systems in the tropics, typically near the monsoon trough. They occur in Australia's northern tropical zones between October and April. This is the basis for our tropical cyclone season.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Kirrily Map

A low formed southeast of Christmas Island on 3rd February and intensified into a cyclone on 6th February as it headed south. Kirrily peaked at category three intensity on 9th February but faded fast as wind shear worsened in the following days. Kirrily remained over vast waters, with no known damage on the island or coastal settlements.

To form a tropical depression requires low pressure, high humidity, and high temperatures. We refer to it as a moderate-strength, low-pressure system. It's frequently related with monsoon troughs and can be seen across the tropical regions. The longer the cyclone remains offshore to gather moisture, the more rain it brings to the inland and coastal areas.

(Data Source: BoM)

The cyclone would pass between Cardwell and Bowen, with the most likely destination "in the Townsville vicinity" as a category-two storm, a minor decrease from the category-three system anticipated earlier this week.

How to Prepare for A Cyclone?

Cyclones are a regular occurrence in northern Australia from November to April, with the potential to endanger lives and cause widespread devastation. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts that the number of tropical cyclones in the 2022 to 2023 season will be higher than typical.

Cyclones acquire power as they move and can occur over water and land. Severe weather conditions, including torrential rain, flooding, tidal surges, and wind gusts of up to 360 km/h, can cause fatalities and damage to property and communities. As a result, understanding how to prepare for Tropical Cyclone Kirrily properly is critical.

The severity of a tropical cyclone is divided into five categories:

(Data Source: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services)

Step 1: Know Cyclone Watch and Warnings

The warning system advises when and what action should be taken. In a forecast cyclone, it is best to stay informed, follow the alerts and warnings issued by Emergency WA, and listen to the local ABC radio station.

Stay connected to your local ABC Radio station on a battery-powered radio, and check the ABC Emergency Twitter and Facebook pages frequently for cyclone instructions and updates, as its route can alter suddenly.

(Data Source: Disaster QLD)

Connect to your local radio station for the most up-to-date information and directions. Wear safety equipment and double-check your home for unsecured items. Gather emergency supplies and ensure everyone knows the house's most critical portion. Assume officials instruct you to pick up your children from school. Then, make sure that you bring in any pets from outside. Turn off the electricity and gas at the mains. Inform your neighbours of the cyclone danger. If water supplies are disturbed, refill baths, sinks, and buckets. Finally, secure the windows and doors.

(Data Source: Emergency WA)

Step 2: Make A Preparedness Plan

Authorities are preparing for two upcoming weather disasters. A tropical low off the coast of Queensland is expected to develop into a cyclone today. The Bureau of Meteorology issued an alert at 1.45 am (2.45 am AEDT) today, warning that a tropical low was slowly building in the middle of the Coral Sea and would likely become Cyclone Kirrily today.  

The tropical cyclone is expected to move west and southwest towards Queensland by late Wednesday or early Thursday, causing increased winds and rain in the initial watch zone. Heavy rain, damaging wind gusts, and flash flooding may develop in that area, causing property damage, road closures, and power outages. (Data Source: 9 News)

Firstly, research natural disaster management in your area. If severe storms, cyclones, floods, storm surges, or tsunamis are predicted in your area, contact your local council. Review your community's emergency plans, evacuation routes, and zones. Determine what aid is available from your local municipality and other support organisations. You can also prepare by downloading the cyclone emergency plan PDF.

Download Cyclone Emergency Plan PDF >>

Next, assess your evacuation and shelter options. If you live in a well-built home outside a storm-tide or flood-prone area, prepare to shelter in place. Choose the safest area of your home to seek sanctuary. How long can you stay alone if you seek refuge in your home? How many days of supplies would you need?

Step 3: Prepare The Emergency Kit

Another strategy to prepare for Tropical Cyclone Kirrily is to put together an emergency kit. An emergency pack includes essential items for surviving disasters, including hurricanes, floods, and storms. If you lose power or water, your kit should have enough supplies to last several days.

Make sure there are adequate supplies for everyone in your household. Store your materials in a waterproof container that is easy to access. Check your kit every season to ensure the contents are fresh and safe. Create your kit right away:  

Solar electricity is the best alternative for cyclones. Portable solar generators produce electricity from the sun, a free, abundant, and renewable energy source, instead of gas or diesel generators. Solar generators store clean energy from the sun for emergency use or backup power.

The Jackery Solar Generator is easy to use, lightweight, and makes no noise. It has AC outlets, USB ports, and a 12V DC carport output, letting you charge several devices concurrently. More information on Jackery Solar Generators can be found in the section below.

Step 4: Arrange Your Pets or Livestock

Remember to prepare for cyclones, including your pets and cattle. Ensure your dogs are correctly identified with a name tag or microchip, have a recent photo of them, and keep livestock stock registers current. You can also ask your local government about pet or animal care provisions in an emergency.

The best way to protect your pet is to move them to a safe location ahead of time. This could include moving them to family, friends, animal boarding facilities, or a temporary animal shelter or evacuation centre that accepts animals.

It is vital to establish a plan for cattle care. The best way to ensure their safety is to leave early. Consider placing gates on interior fences to avoid carrying livestock over public roads. Mark the location of your property's gates and water sources on a map. Keep this map available in case someone needs to shift livestock for you.

Step 5: Upgrade Your Property

To prevent cyclone damage to your property, improve vulnerable areas and identify potential threats in your neighbourhood. Key sections include doors, roof and windows, roof eaves, garage doors, and building attachments. A building professional will assess the wind loads on your property using Australian Standards, resulting in wind pressures or wind classifications appropriate for your area.  

Because of the solid uplift forces, the roof is the most vulnerable part of a building during a cyclone. Various factors, including roof form, influence the amplitude of these pressures. A structure with a near-flat roof receives more uplift forces than a hip roof. Roof edges and ridges require strong connections due to increased uplift.

Wind and debris can damage doors and windows. Strong winds entering your home through damaged windows or doors can cause enormous internal pressures, increasing the likelihood of your roof blowing off. In addition to the garage doors, there are downpipes, flashings, and other accessories.

Apart from how to prepare for a cyclone, you may also be interested in:

• How to prepare for a bushfire in Australia
• How to prepare for a power outage in Australia
• How to prepare for flooding in Australia

Jackery Solar Generators for Cyclones

Unlike conventional gas or diesel generators, solar generators do not generate toxic fumes or other pollutants nor pose the risk of flammable oil spills. Portable solar generators are ideal for preparing for emergencies, such as Cyclone Kirrily. Jackery is a well-known maker of high-quality solar products, including solar generators. Jackery Solar Generators have higher capabilities to power home appliances for hours or days.

Jackery Portable Power Stations use lithium batteries to deliver reliable and constant power to essential appliances. By connecting Jackery Solar Panels to Jackery Portable Power Stations, the Jackery Solar Generator maximises solar energy utilisation. Jackery solar generators use a sophisticated pure sine wave inverter and battery management system to protect charging gadgets. The Jackery Portable Power Stations are 30% lighter than comparable items with the same capacity, making them ideal for cyclone preparedness.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

Jackery's high-performance Solar Generator 2000 Plus significantly advances portable power solutions. With its large capacity and high power output, it can power conventional vans for weeks and suit outdoor adventures or home backup power supply. Incorporating battery cells into the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus significantly boosts capacity from 2 kWh to 12 kWh, resulting in a paradigm shift in domestic backup power supply.

This device can extend to 3000W and has a 30% higher rated power than comparable 2 kWh items. Powered gadgets make up the vast bulk of essential domestic appliances. Despite its steady daily use, the sophisticated LiFePO4 battery has a ten-year operating life. It takes 6 hours to fully charge the Solar Generator 2000 Plus (with 6 SolarSaga 100W solar panels). The power source becomes self-sufficient, charging using solar energy rather than the power grid.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro comprises the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro and SolarSaga 100W solar panels, with a combined capacity of 2160Wh and an output of 2200W. When using reliable electricity for off-grid living, home backup, other outdoor activities, or power disruptions, the Solar Generator 2000 Pro is the best option.

When used twice weekly, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro portable power station has a ten-year operational lifespan. It is a dependable domestic backup power source with a one-year standby capacity. The product is considered optimum because of its cutting-edge features: The portable generator offers a high-contrast, user-friendly UI, efficient charging (takes two hours with AC input), robust security, and a 19.5-pound weight and collapsible handle for portability.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro

In addition to 1000W of output power, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro has a capacity of 1002Wh. An entire wall charge lasts 1.8 hours and can endure 1000 charging cycles. Combining two SolarSaga 80W solar panels can increase power output efficiency by 25%. It is also a low-cost way to prepare for cyclones.

The Explorer 1000 Pro portable power station features two 1000W AC output outlets, two USB A connectors, and a DC vehicle port. It can power up to 93% of your household appliances, including an electric radio, refrigerator, phone, computer, and other devices. For instance, it can power a 100W broadcast for 8 hours, providing adequate time to receive essential government messages and warnings. It can also keep a phone connected for up to 160.3 hours.

The folding handle facilitates transportation and storage. This portable power source is ideal for home power backup because of its lightweight design and 1,000-charge cycle life. A pure sine wave inverter provides stable power to your electronic devices. In this ultra-quiet (46dB) product, a battery management system (BMS) monitors and extends battery life.

What Size of Solar Generator Do I Need?

A solar-powered generator set provides total protection against this threat. These generators are completely safe for indoor usage, as they are noiseless and emit no fumes. Unlike gas or alternative fuel generators, solar generators rely exclusively on sunshine to generate electricity. This avoids potential threats at home during cyclone season.

Consumers can choose a Jackery Solar Generator with capacities ranging from 12 kWh to 300Wh for a portable solar system based on their energy needs. The formula for calculating the operational hours of appliances powered by Jackery Solar Generators is as follows:

Working Hours (H) = [Jackery Solar Generator Capacity (Wh)*0.85] / Appliance's Wattage (W)

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus can power a 100W radio for 17 hours (2042.8Wh x 0.85/300). This calculation helps determine the hours when appliances can operate in a cyclone. 

What Should You Do During A Cyclone?

The tense wait for Tropical Cyclone Kirrily is almost over, with severe gusts and heavy rain expected in north Queensland. Cyclone Kirrily is finally anticipated to form off the Queensland coast on Wednesday night after being predicted for days. Police, electricity, and emergency teams from around Queensland and interstate have travelled north in preparation for the arrival of what is now expected to be a category-two storm on Thursday night. So, what should we do during a cyclone?

Step 1: Find A Shelter

Find the best shelter, such as a stairwell or a room with pipe-reinforced walls on the building's lowest level. Keep your distance from the windows and glass doors. Listen to local radio for warnings of high winds or tornadoes, and switch off all appliances. If the building crumbles, place a rug, blanket, or mattress under a bench or table for protection.

Find shelter from the wind and cover your head if you are outside. When driving, apply the hand brake and avoid looking out the windows. Avoid parking near trees and electric lines.

Step 2: Evacuate Immediately

It is preferable to seek out public shelter inland or on higher ground. On your way out, shut all doors and windows. Check with your neighbours to be sure they have the most recent information. Turn off all utilities, including electricity, gas, and water, and unplug all appliances. Make sure that everyone in your household wears solid shoes and proper clothing.

Take your emergency survival kit with you. Stick to your evacuation plan. If you are evacuating to a shelter, carry bedding, books, toys, and activities for children. The local council or emergency agency will advise you on your best escape options.

Maintain your cool. Continue to listen to your local ABC Radio station online or via the ABC Listen app, and follow ABC Emergency on Twitter and Facebook for updates and instructions. Call your local ABC radio station and tell them what you observed and if it is safe. Transiting personal and credible information about ongoing occurrences will benefit the larger community. Please keep our telephone number handy.

What Should You Do After A Cyclone?

The period immediately following a hurricane is often just as devastating as the disaster itself. Always wait for an all-clear from emergency services before presuming the threat is over; you could be in the path of a tropical cyclone. If you evacuated your property, don't return until an official all-clear is announced.  

Check Your Property:

• If you believe it is unsafe to stay in your home, contact your local council to learn about available assistance.
• Be cautious of downed power lines and trees, broken sewer and water pipelines, loose roof sheets, and other debris.
• Keep a look out for gas leaks.

Please turn off the power and appliances until an electrician inspects them. Check the following checklist for further information about your property.

Property Inspection & Maintenance Checklist >>  

Check Your Wellbeing: Your health is essential, and suffering psychological and emotional anguish in the aftermath of an emergency is entirely normal. Most people will eventually recover with the help of family and friends. Following a crisis, speaking with someone trained to listen and not involved in the incident is frequently easier.

Check Your Food:

• Discard flood-damaged medication, food, or drinking water, mainly canned items.
• Throw away any frozen or refrigerated food exposed to the elements.
• Use only safe tap water for drinking and cooking.
• Follow any boil-water notices issued by your local authorities. 

Clean Up: Contact your local government regarding safe debris removal. Clean and dry your entire house, including everything inside. Things that have been wet for more than two days tend to mould, and there may be germs and bugs in your home due to a flood. Mould can make some people sick with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems. If there are many moulds, you should hire a professional to clean them up.

Final Thoughts

When Cyclone Kirrily forms, it is expected to intensify before impacting the north Queensland coast, bringing severe gusts and widespread heavy rains that might cause flash flooding. Wind speeds of up to 120km/h are possible in some locations, causing damage to houses, properties, and businesses. So we must be adequately prepared for this cyclone, and the Jackery Solar Generator, with its compact size and improved capacity, is ideal for supplying electricity to your home or during an emergency.