DFES warns to prepare for tropical cyclone season following BOM predicting El Nino could slow disasters

Emergency services are warning communities not to be complacent following predictions tropical cyclone season and significant rains could be delayed in northern WA due to climate patterns. The Bureau of Meteorology released its tropical cyclone outlook for 2023-24 on Monday, confirming El Nino and positive Indian Ocean Dipole events are likely to impact the number and timing of cyclonic conditions. The bureau is also predicting heavy rain to come later than usual. During El Nino, the number of tropical cyclones is often below average and the first coastal crossing can occur as late as mid-January. Despite the findings, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services is warning cyclone-prone communities in WA to be prepared as the season nears. Andrew Burton at the bureau’s tropical cyclone team said Australia had never had a season without a tropical cyclone crossing the coast and urged communities to prepare now. “Across Australia we had a below average number of cyclones impact the coast in the last tropical cyclone season but saw two significant events in Western Australia,” he said. Tropical cyclone Ellie crossed the Northern Territory and the Kimberley in December last year, causing heavy rainfall that isolated communities. Severe tropical cyclone Ilsa crossed the Pilbara coast in April and was named the most intense cyclone to impact Western Australia in more than a decade, causing severe flooding in Pardoo. In April 2021, severe tropical cyclone Seroja hit the Mid West and Gascoyne coast, causing disarray and destruction to large swathes of the region. DFES commissioner Darren Klemm said communities should ensure they have access to emergency supplies of water, non-perishable food and other essentials in case they become isolated for extended periods of time. “Even though the season may start later, don’t leave your preparations to the last minute and get caught short — have an emergency kit ready and enough food and water for at least five days,” he said. The tropical cyclone season runs from November to April. For more information visit BOM.gov.au