CYCLONE WARNING SYSTEMS

WHAT ARE CYCLONE WARNING SYSTEMS?

Cyclone warning systems are put in place to inform the community and to keep
them safe in the event of a significant incident that may threaten lives and
property.

Warnings give advice about the level of risk and danger and the actions to take.
CYCLONE WARNING SYSTEMS IN
QUEENSLAND
There are two types of cyclone warning systems in Queensland, these are a cyclone
watch and a cyclone warning.

A Cyclone Watch is issued by the Bureau of Meteorology when strong winds linked
to a cyclone are expected to hit within 24 to 48 hours.


A Cyclone Warning is issued by the Bureau of Meteorology when strong winds are
expected to hit within 24 hours (Emergency Management Queensland, 2012).
.

CYCLONE CATEGORIES
There are five categories of cyclones that a warning can be issued for.
Tropical Cyclone Category System
Category 1 - wind gusts less than 125 km/hr
Category 2 - wind gusts 125 to 169 km/hr
Category 3 - wind gusts 170 to 224 km/hr
Category 4 - wind gusts 225 to 279 km/hr
Category 5 - wind gusts more than 280 km/hr
(Emergency Management Queensland, 2012)

WHY ARE WARNING SYSTEMS
IMPORTANT?

Warning systems can save lives. Numerous countries around the world have
drastically reduced the number of deaths by acquiring effective early warning
systems. Whilst warning systems are effective in protecting the lives and
livelihoods of communities, once a warning has been issued there little that can
be done in order to protect infrastructure if a sudden cyclone occurs. If a cyclone
can be forecasted or foreseen days in advance, early warning systems and cyclone
watches can provide enough time for risk reduction measures to be put in place.
For example boarding up windows and clearing properties of loose items
(Pearson, 2012).
ADVANTAGES OF CYCLONE WARNING
SYSTEMS
Inform communities of potential dangers.
Effective in protecting the lives and livelihoods of communities.
Allow for protection of valuables.
Allow for risk reduction measures to be put in place for in infrastructure.
DISADVANTAGES OF CYCLONE WARNING
SYSTEMS
They dont stop the event from occurring.
Warnings are communicated over TV, radio, newspapers and/or the Internet, and
people may not have access to some/all of these, so they may not get the
warning.
In cases of evacuation, looting may become a problem.
Living in places that frequently receive cyclone warning, may make it difficult to
get home, contents and car insurance.