Whether you're in WA, the Top End or Queensland, cyclones are something you need to take into consideration.
Cyclones can be extremely dangerous. Gale-force winds, storm surges and heavy to intense rainfall can destroy homes and property and cause flooding during or after the cyclone.
Severe Cyclone Alfred caused significant damage in southeast Queensland and north eastern New South Wales in March 2025. Residents dealt with wind gusts and heavy rainfall with flooding.
It's important to understand the warnings issued by the Bureau of Meteorology and follow the advice of your local council, police or emergency services during a cyclone.
During a cyclone
Once a cyclone warning is issued for your area, you should stay across the warnings the BOM is issuing and know which direction the cyclone is headed.
If you decide to shelter at home:
- Be ready for noise and darkness. Cyclones can sound like a roaring train or jet engine.
- Prepare to be inside for many hours.
- Understand that the sky will darken and day will turn to night.
- There may be strong winds and horizontal rain.
- If you have young children, try to stay calm in front of them
- Be aware that destructive winds turn loose objects into missiles that can damage your home.
- Turn off all electricity, gas and water and unplug all appliances.
- Keep your emergency kit close by.
- Bring your family into the strongest part of the house, usually a small central room; stay away from windows and the windward wall.
- Keep listening to your radio for cyclone updates.
- Shelter under a strong table, bench or heavy mattress if the building you're in starts to break up.
- Cover yourself with rugs and blankets and hold onto a solid fixture.
- Beware the calm eye of the cyclone; stay inside until you are told it is safe to go outside.
- The eye of the cyclone may have light winds and fine weather or severe gusts of wind may continue.
- The eye is surrounded by a dense ring of cloud known as the eye wall, which is the most dangerous part of the cyclone with the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall.
- Provide comfort and reassurance to children and pets.
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Evacuation orders
If an official evacuation order is issued, act immediately. You and your family should follow directions, seek a public shelter or stay with friends/family further inland or on higher ground.
- Check your neighbours have seen the evacuation order.
- Turn off all electricity, gas and water and unplug all appliances.
- Lock your doors and close windows.
- Make sure everyone in your household is wearing strong shoes and suitable clothing.
- Take your emergency survival kit. Follow your evacuation plan.
- Make sure to take bedding and books, games or other activities for children if you are evacuating to a shelter.
- Visiting from out of town? The local council or emergency agency will let you know your best options for evacuation.
- Make sure your pets are left in a safe place indoors (e.g. garage, laundry) if you have to leave them behind. Leave plenty of food and water. Do not tie them up.
- Comfort and reassure children.
- Don't drive in a cyclone. If you are driving when a cyclone hits, immediately park in an area that is clear of trees, powerlines and water courses. Put your handbrake on and stay inside your vehicle.
- Stay calm. Keep listening to your local ABC Radio station and check your local ABC Facebook page for warnings, updates and advice.
- If safe to do so, contact your local ABC Radio station to share what you can see. Firsthand and reliable knowledge about what's going on will help the rest of the community. Keep our phone number handy.
- Be aware your mobile phone may not work if mobile networks are down.
- Stay inside until the all clear is given.