Severe weather - Storms and cyclones
In the Bundaberg Region it is not uncommon to experience severe weather such as thunderstorms, hail storms, dry electrical storms and wind storms.
We can also be impacted by cyclones and the extensive rain depressions left in their aftermath. On average, cyclones impact the Bundaberg Region every few years. Since 1970 there have been ten cyclones within 100km of the Bundaberg region.
The tropical cyclone season in Australia extends from November to April. Cyclones occur frequently during this time with an average of ten cyclones entering Australian waters each season.
The severity of cyclones is described in terms of categories related to the strength of the winds.
|
Category |
Wind Strength |
Effects/Damage |
|---|---|---|
|
1 (Tropical Cyclone) |
Less than 125km/hr |
Negligible house damage. Damage to trees, caravans and crops may occur. |
|
2 (Tropical Cyclone) |
125-169km/hr |
Minor house damage. Noticeable damage to street signs, trees and caravans. Heavy damage to crops. May have power failure. |
|
3 (Severe Tropical Cyclone) |
170-224km/hr |
Roof and structural damage to houses may be prevalent. Power failure likely. |
|
4 (Severe Tropical Cyclone) |
225-279km/hr |
Significant structural and roofing damage. Caravans destroyed and blown away. Power failure. |
|
5 (Severe Tropical Cyclone) |
More than 280km/hr |
Widespread destruction. Extremely dangerous winds. Power failure |
Severe storms and cyclones can produce hail, wind gusts, flash flooding, tornadoes and lightning, which can cause death, injury and damage to property. You can be left without power or isolated by flooded roads for extended periods of time.
Becoming familiar with past weather events that have impacted your community is an important part of preparing for extreme weather events.
Visit the Green Cross Australia 'Harden Up' page to see what events have occurred in your area previously.
It’s important to take the time to prepare your family, pets and property. To find out how to prepare for disasters, visit our Get Ready page.