How to Survive in a Cyclone in Australia

What Is a Cyclone?

A cyclone is a powerful weather system that can cause severe damage to buildings and the natural environment. It develops from a low-pressure system over warm tropical oceans and typically intensifies within a few days, producing strong winds, heavy rains, and flooding. In addition, a cyclone produces powerful and potentially damaging winds that rotate clockwise around a calm centre (the "eye").

A tropical cyclone is called a typhoon in the western and northwestern Pacific, a hurricane in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific, and a cyclonic storm or simply a cyclone in the Indian and South Pacific. Cyclones in Australia form in the northern waters and often affect Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

The Australian tropical cyclone season lasts from early November to the end of April. Although tropical cyclones can occur in the Australian region at any time of the year, the vast majority occur during these six months when conditions in the southern hemisphere are more favourable for cyclone formation. 

In addition, climate change is reducing the frequency of tropical cyclones in the southern hemisphere, including Australia. In the modern climate, the Australian region usually has about nine tropical cyclones each season. (Source: Weatherzone)

Australia's Tropical Cyclone Categories

In Australia, cyclones are rated from one to five in severity. The following will help you distinguish them in detail:

(Data Source: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services)

Cyclone Forecast for Australia

November 1, 2024, marks the start of Australia's 2024-25 tropical cyclone season. Although the season begins in November, we may not see any tropical cyclone activity near Australia in the coming weeks. 

On average, Australia's first tropical cyclone to make landfall occurs in late December or early January. On average, about 4-5 tropical cyclones that form in the Australian area of responsibility each season will develop into severe (category three or above) tropical storms, and about four will land in Australia.

The first tropical cyclone to form in the Australian area of responsibility this season will be named Robyn. Here are the names of the following 10 tropical cyclones to form in the Australian region (the list is in alphabetical order).

(Data Source: weatherzone)

What Damage Does a Cyclone Usually Cause in Australia?

In recent years, cyclones have frequently hit Australia, dramatically impacting residents' lives, economy and natural environment. In the first quarter of each year, when the southern hemisphere enters summer, the northern and western coastal areas of Australia are frequently hit by tropical cyclones. The following are some of the main damages that cyclones usually cause in Australia:

Destruction of Infrastructure

Cyclones' strong winds and heavy rains have caused severe damage to Australia's infrastructure. Cyclones can overturn roofs, destroy buildings, and cause large-scale power outages. For example, Tropical Cyclone Debbie landed in Queensland in March 2024, causing water pipes to burst, highways to damage, and landslides.

Economic Losses

The impact of cyclones on the Australian economy is multifaceted, including direct and indirect losses. Agriculture, mining, and tourism are important economic pillars of Australia, but these industries have almost all suffered heavy losses in cyclones. 

For example, in November 2023, a thunderstorm hit southeast Queensland, destroying crops and agricultural equipment worth 50 million Australian dollars. In the same year, Tropical Cyclone Jasper caused extensive damage to northern Queensland, with severe losses of crops and infrastructure.

Residents' Lives are Affected

Cyclones have brought great inconvenience and threats to the lives of residents. Strong winds and heavy rains have caused large-scale power outages. For example, in December 2023, Tropical Cyclone Jasper caused power outages to nearly 40,000 households and businesses in northern Queensland. As a result, residents' daily supplies, travel and communications have been severely affected. In addition, cyclones have also damaged houses and even destroyed residents' homes.

Damage to the Natural Environment

Cyclones have also caused severe damage to Australia's natural environment. Extreme weather events have damaged coastal ecosystems, affecting ecological communities such as corals, seaweed, mangroves, and seagrass.

Floods caused by cyclones can cause water pollution, and the strong winds caused by them may damage vegetation and affect the ecological balance. In addition, cyclones may also cause wildfires. For example, after Cyclone Veronica in 2019, wildfires broke out in some areas of western Australia, large tracts of forests were burned, and many wild animals lost their habitats.

How to Survive a Cyclone in Australia?

The damage caused by cyclones to Australia is multifaceted, including infrastructure damage, economic losses, and environmental impacts. For example, in February 2024, Tropical Cyclone Yasi made landfall in northeastern Queensland, bringing strong winds and heavy rains that caused severe damage, including house damage, fallen trees, power outages and floods.

Therefore, Australian residents need to strengthen their understanding of the response measures for different scenarios during cyclones to mitigate the damage caused by cyclones. The following are practical measures to survive in Australia if a cyclone hits.

What to Do at Home During a Cyclone

When a cyclone strikes, staying at home is the safest option. The following are essential response measures to ensure your and your family's safety during a cyclone.

Turn Off the Power: If you receive a cyclone warning, turn off the power, gas and water pipes to prevent short circuits in wires from causing fires or gas leaks.

Strengthen the House: Close windows and doors, and reinforce glass windows with tape or wooden boards to prevent them from breaking.

Stay in a Safe Area: Choose a substantial room in your home to hide, such as the basement or an inner room without windows. Also, avoid going out during a cyclone, as strong winds and heavy rain can cause danger.

Keep in Touch: Use your mobile phone or radio to keep in touch with family and friends and inform them of your safety. In addition, get the latest cyclone warning information through television, radio, the Internet, and mobile phone applications. Backup power, like Jackery Portable Power Station, can ensure that communication devices like mobile phones are fully charged.

Here are ways to learn about cyclone warnings in Australia:

What to Do When You Are Outdoors During a Cyclone 

During Australia's summer and early autumn seasons, frequent cyclonic activity seriously threatens outdoor activities. Here are some key response measures if you are outdoors during a cyclone.

Find a Sturdy Shelter: If you cannot return home quickly, you should find shelter in a sturdy building as soon as possible, such as a public shelter, shopping mall, or school. Avoid the sea, riverside, valleys, and other places affected by floods or mudslides.

Personal Safety: In strong winds, try to bend down and move forward to avoid being blown down by the wind. If the wind is too strong, squat or lie down and wait for the wind to subside before moving. In addition, stay away from tall objects such as trees, telephone poles, billboards, etc., to prevent being blown down by the wind or electrocuted.

What to Do in a Car During a Cyclone

Local governments and transportation departments may issue relevant evacuation instructions and road closure information during a cyclone. In addition, the most important thing when you are in a car during an Australian cyclone is to stay calm and take correct response measures.

Find a Safe Parking Place: Once you notice a change in weather or receive a cyclone warning, immediately find a safe parking place. Avoid parking in low-lying areas, under large trees, near billboards, or on bridges, which are vulnerable to flooding, falling objects, and strong winds.

Secure the Vehicle: If you can't find a safe indoor parking lot, try to park the car steadily and secure it to a sturdy object with ropes or other fixing tools.

Stay in the Car and Fasten Your Seat Belt: Staying in the car and fastening your seat belt is relatively safe when a cyclone approaches.

Turn Off the Engine and Electronic Devices: If the vehicle is flooded, the engine and all electronic devices should be turned off immediately to prevent short circuits and water intrusion into the engine.

Pay Attention to the Surrounding Environment: Stay alert in the car and consider environmental changes. If the water level continues to rise or the vehicle is at risk of being flooded, you should evacuate to a safe place in time (a high and sturdy building or a place with higher terrain).

In short, during an Australian cyclone, the most important thing is to stay calm, prepare in advance, and pay close attention to the official's warning information and response guidance. No matter the scenario, take adequate safety measures to protect your and others' lives.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Cyclones

Portable power stations, unlike their typical gas or diesel counterparts, do not emit any hazardous fumes or other pollutants, nor do they offer the risk of flammable oil spills. Also, they are significantly less noisy than conventional generators, which are noisy since they use an alternator to generate energy.   

Portable power stations are a great way to survive a cyclone in Australia or other emergencies. Jackery is a well-known global manufacturer of high-quality solar equipment, such as solar generators. Jackery Portable Power Stations offer larger capacities to run home appliances for numerous hours or days.

Jackery Portable Power Stations use lithium batteries to provide consistent and stable power to essential appliances. By connecting Jackery Solar Panels to Jackery Portable Power Stations, the Jackery Solar Generator maximises solar energy use. Jackery Portable Power Stations employ a sophisticated Battery Management System and a pure sine wave inverter to safeguard charging devices.   

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus

Individuals compiling dependable cyclone emergency supplies in Australia will find the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus provides robust, environmentally sustainable energy to maintain crucial equipment during critical situations. Its volume and adaptability render it essential in any emergency preparedness kit.  

The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus offers flexible and expandable power for prolonged outages. Its robust 2 kWh beginning capacity can be augmented to 12 kWh with expandable battery packs.  

This adaptability enables the continued operation of essential equipment, like lighting, refrigeration, and communication devices, during extended power outages caused by cyclones or hurricanes. The Explorer 2000 Plus accommodates heavy-duty devices with a power output of up to 3000W, assuring the functionality of practically all essential home appliances.

Featuring a LiFePO4 battery, the Jackery 2000 Plus delivers a long-lasting solution capable of enduring over 4,000 charge cycles, ensuring up to ten years of dependable performance. Its silent functionality and absence of emissions render it suitable for indoor and outdoor applications, establishing a secure, tranquil backup solution that provides reliable power without noise or emits.

Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus is a practical selection for cyclone or hurricane preparedness. It offers compactness, versatility, and efficiency, particularly where mobility and rapid charging are critical. This portable device guarantees that vital emergency equipment stays functional and readily available, regardless of your whereabouts. 

With an initial capacity of 1264Wh, expandable to 5 kWh, the Explorer 1000 Plus is optimal for powering critical devices during outages, including mobile devices, lamps, and smaller appliances. Its 2000W output, capable of powering 99% of household appliances, allows you to maintain connectivity and comfort during outages.

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus portable power station features a 10-year lifespan and a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. It delivers stable voltage and a clean sine wave to safeguard all your electronic devices. Furthermore, the cutting-edge ChargeShield technology and reliable power distribution prevent equipment damage.

What Should You Do After a Cyclone in Australia?

In recent years, Australia has been hit by tropical cyclones, causing widespread and severe damage. When a hurricane passes, taking the proper response measures to reduce losses and resume everyday life is essential. Here are some key steps to help residents stay safe, resume their lives and reduce disaster losses after the cyclone.   

Step 1: Ensure Personal Safety

Even if the cyclone has passed, you still need to be vigilant. Here are some things you should pay attention to to ensure personal safety:

Make sure you and your family are in a safe environment. Carefully check your home for structural damage, leaks or exposed wires. If you find that the house is seriously damaged, evacuate to a safe place immediately.

Cyclones can cause power outages and damage lines. Therefore, stay away from areas with accumulated water and avoid contact with anything that may be electrified, such as wires and street lights. 

Step 2: Check Appropriately

In Australia, cyclone season usually brings intense storms, heavy rains and floods, posing a serious threat to the lives and safety of residents. Restore everyday life through the following steps:

Step 1: Check the water and electricity supply. Please check whether the water and electricity supply at home have been restored to normal. If not, please contact the relevant department for verification.

Step 2: Clean up the environment. Cleaning the home and surrounding environment includes removing stagnant water, garbage, broken branches and other debris to prevent mosquito breeding and disease transmission.

Step 3: Repair infrastructure. If infrastructure such as houses and roads is damaged, contact professionals immediately to repair it.

Step 3: Get Information & Assistance

After the cyclone passes, getting information and assistance is related to residents' safety and directly affects the post-disaster recovery and reconstruction work.

Radio, television, and the Internet provide the latest official information and rescue guidance. Understand the assistance measures and rescue resources offered by the government. If you encounter difficulties or need emergency rescue, contact the local government, non-governmental organisations, and rescue agencies to seek assistance and support as soon as possible.

Step 4: Adjust Your Mental State

Natural disasters may have an impact on people's mental health, so please pay attention to mental health after the cyclone ends.

Pay attention to your own emotions. After encountering a cyclone, please pay attention to your emotional changes and try to self-regulate through deep breathing, meditation, exercise, etc.

Seek professional help. If you feel anxious, fearful or depressed, you can seek professional psychological counselling to help restore your mental balance.

How to Survive in a Cyclone FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about how to survive in a cyclone in Australia.

1. When is the cyclone season in Australia?

Australia's climate characteristics are just the opposite of those of the northern hemisphere, so when the northern hemisphere enters winter, Australia welcomes a hot summer. This period is when cyclone activity is most frequent. Specifically, Australia's cyclone season usually lasts from November to April of the following year.

2. What is the reason for Australia's frequent cyclones?

In recent years, cyclones have frequently occurred in the region, seriously impacting the lives of local people and the ecological environment. There are many reasons for Australia's frequent cyclones, including its unique geographical location, the impact of global warming, the periodic appearance of La Nina and El Nino phenomena, changes in monsoon circulation, and the role of topography and ocean currents. These factors work together to make Australia a region with frequent tropical cyclones.

3. What preparations need to be made before the cyclone arrives?

In Australia, the cyclone season usually brings strong winds, rains, and possible floods, which threaten the lives and safety of residents. Therefore, it is essential to prepare for cyclones in advance.

• Pay attention to weather warnings

• Develop emergency plans

• Stock up on emergency supplies

• Strengthen your residence

• Protect important documents

Final Thoughts

Cyclone activity is frequent in Australia, especially in the northern and eastern coastal areas. For example, in December 2023, Tropical Cyclone Jasper made landfall in northeastern Australia, bringing strong winds and heavy rains that continued to affect the region.  

In short, cyclones have caused multifaceted damage to Australia, affecting all levels, from infrastructure to the economy, natural environment and society. In the face of these challenges, Australia must continue to strengthen disaster prevention and mitigation work and improve the disaster resistance of the whole society to reduce the losses caused by cyclones.