Categories of a Cyclone
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Every year the weather of Cairns in Far North Queensland gets people a little nervous. In North West Australia cyclones (known as hurricanes in the US) often cross the coast during what is known as the wet season. Knowing what categories of cyclone are forming off the coast is crucial for disaster management and preparation and the tracking of a tropical storm.
Did you know that cyclones are categorised from 1-5? Categories of cyclone give us crucial information about cyclone strength. In Februrary 2011 a category 5 tropical storm called Cyclone Yasi crossed the Far North Queensland coast causing massive destruction to towns and coastal areas. A category 5 tropical storm is the most severe type of cyclone and the damage often reflects this.
A cyclone is a very severe tropical storm with strong winds and often heavy rains. What is deceptive though is that the eye of a cyclone can often have light winds and clear skies. But there is danger lurking as the remainder of the cyclone is yet to pass through with winds coming from the other direction.
Categories of cyclone
Category 1 cyclone
Strongest winds: 91-124km/h
Slight house damage likely, damage to crops and fields, tress and caravans can sustain damage and boats may drag moorings
Category 2 cyclone
Strongest winds 125-164km/h
Houses may experience minor damage, gardens and shrubs flattened, road signs, trees and vans may be severely damaged, power may fail, small boats may break their moorings.
Category 3 cyclone
Strongest winds 165-224km/h
Structural property damage such as displaced roofs, vans and crops destroyed, high risk of power failure. Risk of person injury.
Category 4 cyclone
Strongest winds 225-279 km/h
Extensive property damage likely including roofs removed from houses and buildings. Vans and cars can be destroyed. Debris can be airbourne and therefore there is a high risk to personal injury. Extensive and widespread power failure is more than likely to occur.
Category 5 cyclone
Strongest winds: More than 280km/h
This is the most extreme of tropical storms. As what occurred in Cairns people will likely be evacuated and a mass disaster management response will be in preparation for severe and widespread destruction. As mentioned, Cyclone Yasi was a category 5 tropical storm whilst Cyclone Larry which crossed the coast near Innisfail in Far North Queensland was a category 4 cyclone.
Whilst much of the East Coast of Australia does not experience cyclones the Far North of the East Coast does on a yearly basis. Not all of these cyclones are severe but many bring heavy rain and strong winds. I love living in Cairns but every wet season is a reminder of how extreme weather can be up here.
Sydney and Brisbane do not get cyclones but they can get extreme storms which at times have caused extensive damage. But that's Australia, a place of extremes.
Read more about Australia's weather and Far North Queensland:
- Cyclone Yasi: A personal experience
I was in Brisbane in December 2010 when I noticed the rain was heavier and steadier than I had seen in a long time. I thought it ironic that we had come down to Brisbane from our home in Cairns seemingly to escape part of the cyclone and wet season..
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- Cairns weather
What is unique about Far North Queensland compared to the rest of Australia? Answer: Cairns weather. You see the majority of Australia experiences the four seasons (Summer, Winter, Autumn, Spring) but in Cairns we have two seasons:
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