Source: https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/prepare/know-your-risk/cyclone-and-storm-surge Fetched: 2026-11-03 22:08 AEDT ## Cyclone and storm surge ## On this page Cyclones are a part of life for people living in Queensland’s coastal areas. Queensland’s cyclone season officially runs from 1 November to 30 April, however cyclones can occur at other times. It’s important that households and their communities are prepared year-round. Communities within 50 kilometres of the coastline from Bundaberg to Thursday Island, including the Gulf of Carpentaria are most susceptible to cyclones. However, accompanying wind and heavy rainfall and flooding from weakening cyclones and tropical lows can affect communities throughout all parts of Queensland. ## What is a cyclone, storm surge and storm tide? The Bureau of Meteorology provides the following explanations to explain how cyclones, storm surges and storm tides work hand in hand to create at times catastrophic conditions. Cyclones Cyclones are powerful weather systems that can cause significant damage to the built and natural environments. They develop from low pressure systems that build over warm oceans in the tropics, and generally intensify over several days before making landfall. They generate severe winds, heavy rainfall and flooding. Cyclones produce very strong and potentially destructive winds that rotate clockwise around a calm centre (the ‘eye’). Storm surge A storm surge is a rise above the normal water level along a shore resulting from strong onshore winds and / or reduced atmospheric pressure. Storm surges accompany a tropical cyclone as it approaches the coastline. They may also be formed by intense low-pressure systems in non-tropical areas. Storm tide A storm tide is the combination of storm surge and the normal (astronomical) tide. The worst impacts occur when the storm surge arrives on top of a high tide. When this happens, the storm tide can reach areas that might otherwise have been safe. ## Understanding tropical cyclones The severity of cyclones are expressed as categories one to five. Laura Boekel of the Bureau of Meteorology explains the preparation for cyclones, the different categories of a cyclone and what can occur after a cyclone. ## Category wind gusts (km/h) and typical impact CategoryStrongest GustTypical effects 1 - Tropical Cyclone Less than 125 km/h Gales Minimal house damage. Damage to some crops, trees and caravans. Boats may drag moorings. 2 - Tropical Cyclone 126-164 km/h Destructive winds Minor house damage. Significant damage to signs, trees and caravans. Heavy damage to some crops. Risk of power failure. Small boats may break moorings. 3 - Severe Tropical Cyclone 165-224 km/h Very destructive winds Some roof and structural damage. Some caravans destroyed. Power failure likely. 4 - Severe Tropical Cyclone 225-279 km/h Very destructive winds Significant roofing and structural damage. Many caravans destroyed and blown away. Dangerous airborne debris. Widespread power failures. 5 - Severe Tropical Cyclone More than 280 km/h Extremely destructive winds Extremely dangerous with widespread destruction. ## Know your risk Queensland homes within 50 kilometres of the coastline north from Bundaberg need to be strong enough to withstand cyclonic winds. ## Wind loading regions Data from: Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience In addition, homes located within 100 to 200 metres of an open shoreline are at risk of impacts from breaking waves caused by storm tide. To understand your storm tide risk, you can request a Coastal Hazard Property Map which shows the estimated storm tide levels for your particular property. You can also talk to a coastal engineer who can confirm whether your property is likely to be impacted by waves during a storm tide. ## Experiencing a cyclone As a cyclone approaches, the wind and rain gradually increases over several hours. A cyclone will sound like a roaring train or jet engine and skies will darken, turning the day into night. You could be inside for many hours. There may be strong winds and horizontal rain. These winds are powerful enough to break large trees, roll over sea containers, and blow away unsecured caravans, garden sheds and poorly constructed roofed patios. They can cause extensive property damage and turn loose items into wind-borne debris that cause further building damage. Slow moving cyclones can take many hours to move past a particular location, and extreme wind and rain can last up to 12 hours. As the cyclone moves over the coastline, those in the direct path will experience the eye of the cyclone, and it's lighter winds and clear skies. The eye can be from 10km - 100km wide. When the eye passes over, the returning winds are faster, more intense and can return without any warning. During a cyclone Frequently asked questions Find your local council Next steps to get ready Make a plan Pack a kit Protect your home Protect your car, caravan or boat Find out more Warnings and alerts Strengthen your home Cyclone, storm tide and severe storm resources Last updated: September 2026