Boating Warning: Bad cyclone season ahead
Average to above-average cyclone season expected for Australia this year, BOM saysAustralians should start preparing for a return to a more active tropical cyclone season in 2016–17, according to the new Bureau of Meteorology outlook just released (September 10/10/2016).
Climate Prediction Services Manager Dr Andrew Watkins said Australians should expect an average to above-average tropical cyclone season, due to neutral to weak La Niña conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean.
"This year we’re experiencing warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures around northern Australia, and this will help to fuel the tropical cyclone season ahead.
"History shows that in an average season, about 11 cyclones form in the Australian region between November and April. On average, four of these will make landfall."
Last year, had the lowest number of tropical cyclones on record with just three formed during the season. Only one made landfall, with Tropical Cyclone Stan crossing WA's Pilbara Coast as a Category 2 system.
"It is highly unlikely Australia will see a cyclone season as quiet this year," Dr Watkins said.
The release of the Tropical Cyclone Season Outlook for 2016–17 marks the start of severe weather public awareness campaigns in northern Australia.
Residents in northern coastal regions are being reminded to prepare now for the coming season.
Tropical cyclones are low pressure systems that form over warm tropical waters and have at least gale force winds (sustained winds of 63km per hour and gusts of 90km per hour or more) near their centre.
Even tropical cyclones well offshore can have significant impacts on coastal areas. High winds, storm surges and large waves can create dangerous conditions.
The Bureau encourages the community to stay up to date with its latest forecasts and warnings at www.bom.gov.au, via its new BOM Weather app, or by following @bom_qld, @bom_nt or @bom_wa on Twitter.
When a cyclone is approaching your area, stay tuned for the latest Bureau of Meteorology forecasts and warnings, and follow the advice of your local emergency services agency.
BOM BOATING WEATHER RESOURCES
>> Read the 2016–17 Australian Tropical Cyclone Season Outlook, and for further information on tropical cyclones, see www.bom.gov.au/cyclone./index.shtml.
>> More detailed weather information will continue to be available at www.bom.gov.au.
>> You can read about the BOM's Five Vital Weather Checks for Boating here.
>> We actually created and collated the Complete Boating Weather Resource for you this summr in this link.
>> BOM
Weather can now be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. For
more information, including FAQs and how-to guides, go to www.bom.gov.au/app/.
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