Understanding tropical cyclones
Tropical cyclones are violent, spiralling wind and rain systems that threaten lives and property at sea and on land. They can cause disruption, damage and destruction far beyond the coast, including extensive flooding. These powerful storms are one of our climate drivers.
Australia's most cyclone-prone area is the north-west coast between Broome and Exmouth. Tropical cyclones cross this coast more often than anywhere else around the continent. Other areas such as north Queensland and the Top End also get a high number of tropical cyclones.
We're part of an international network that forecasts and warns about tropical cyclones. On average, about 11 tropical cyclones form in the Australian region each season.
Australia's tropical cyclone season
Australia's tropical cyclone season runs from 1 November to 30 April. They can happen at other times in our region but this is rare.
Warning Australians about tropical cyclones
To help keep coastal communities safe, we:
- keep a 24-hour watch on developing cyclones in our region
- provide a tropical cyclones forecast for the 7 days ahead
- deliver seasonal outlooks for Australia and the South Pacific
- issue watches and warnings when a cyclone is expected to affect Australia's coast or territories. See the latest Tropical Cyclone Advice in Warnings and alerts.
In this section, explore:
- how tropical cyclones form and how they differ from tropical lows, tornadoes and typhoons
- the 5 tropical cyclone categories and their effects
- how tropical cyclones are named
- how we predict tropical cyclones and forecast their paths
- our tropical cyclone warning services – outlooks, watches, warnings and how to read a cyclone track map.
For assistance during a tropical cyclone, contact your local emergency services – view our Emergency contacts page.
Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Ilsa approaches the north-west Australian coast at 1:45 pm on 13 April 2023. Credit: NASA's Earth Observatory.
Know your weather. Know your risk.
Severe weather can develop quickly and threaten lives and property. You can reduce its impact by getting ready before it happens.
Find out how to set up BOM Weather app warning notifications.