CYCLONE SEASON

The official start to the Cyclone Season is the 1^st of November and that’s just around the corner.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting an increase in the number of tropical cyclones and lows for northern Australia this season, due to current climate influences. It’s a timely reminder to be prepared and not get complacent given many cyclones in recent years have skirted around the Top End and down the East and West coasts.

Northern Territory Emergency Service Deputy Director Bob Evans urged Territorians to prepare now for the coming Wet Season.

“One thing Territorians should always do at this time of year is to prepare for cyclones.

“When a cyclone impacts communities, people can be without power or water for days at a time, Cyclone Marcus in 2018 was a prime example.

“In order to make sure you and your family can make it through the impact of a cyclone you need to prepare your cyclone kit now. All households should also have an emergency plan in place.”

When it comes to water on roads, Mrs Evans stressed “Flooding is a common occurrence during the Wet Season in the Northern Territory. If you are driving and come across a flooded road, do not risk yours or your family’s safety by entering the water. If it’s flooded, forget it.

Here are some handy links and contacts for being prepared.

For information relating to cyclones, flooding and other emergency weather events Territorians should go to the SecureNT website and Facebook page.

“132 500 is the number for the Hotline for SES if you need help as a result of emergency weather events. In life threatening emergencies, always contact triple zero.”

More information:

• Household Emergency plans and other preparation information http://www.securent.nt.gov.au
• Tropical Cyclone Knowledge Centre: http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/tropical-cyclone-knowledge-centre/
• Bureau’s Know Your Weather, Know Your Risk webpage: http://www.bom.gov.au/knowyourweather/
• Severe Weather Knowledge Centre: http://www.bom.gov.au/weather-services/severe-weather-knowledge-centre/
• Flood Knowledge Centre: http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood/knowledge-centre/
• Australian Tropical Cyclone long-range forecast for 2022 to 2023 http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cyclones/australia/