Cyclones
The Top End of the Northern Territory is prone to cyclones from November to May.
Cyclones usually affect coastal areas up to 50km inland from the sea.
Cyclones are dangerous and can produce destructive winds, heavy rainfall, flooding and storm surges.
They affect essential services and disrupt your ability to travel and communicate.
Learn about the types of Alerts and warnings and what you can do to be prepared.
Your responsibility
The protection of your family, your home and your possessions is your responsibility.
You need a cyclone emergency plan and an emergency kit.
You must also make sure your house is safe if you choose to stay at home during a cyclone.
Cyclone categories
The severity of a cyclone is described in the below categories:
| Category | Strongest gusts (km/h) | Typical effects |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Less than 125 | Negligible house damage. Damage to some crops, trees and caravans. Watercraft may drag moorings. |
| 2 | 125 to 164 | Minor house damage. Significant damage to signs, trees and caravans. Heavy damage to some crops. Risk of power failure. Small watercraft may break moorings. |
| 3 | 165 to 224 | Some roof and structural damage. Some caravans destroyed. Power failures likely. |
| 4 | 225 to 279 | Significant roofing loss and structural damage. Many caravans destroyed and blown away. Dangerous airborne debris. Widespread power failures. |
| 5 | More than 280 | Extremely dangerous with widespread destruction |