What is a tropical cyclone?

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are low-pressure systems that develop over the warm oceans off the northern coasts of Australia. TCs can produce very strong winds, storm surge, heavy rainfall, and flooding. The severity of a TC is described using a five-category system based on the strongest wind speeds near the centre of the cyclone.

What are the wind speeds for each cyclone category?

Maximum wind speeds decrease as the eye of the cyclone moves inland. Generally, the wind speeds near the eye drop as the cyclone travels inland and wind speeds are reduced further from the eye.

Even after a cyclone is downgraded, areas may continue to experience destructive winds and heavy rainfall.

What kind of damage can be expected from a tropical cyclone?

Cyclones can cause significant damage, including severe winds that may cause structural damage to homes and buildings. Properties that are older, poorly maintained, or in exposed positions are at greater risk. Common types of damage include:

• Roofs blown away
• Damage to verandahs and roofs due to rot or termite-affected timber
• Failure of inadequately secured gutters and eaves
• Wind-driven rain entering buildings through vents, under flashings, or through windows and sliding doors
• Broken doors and windows caused by wind-borne debris
• Garage doors being blown in or out

Coastal properties may also experience damage from waves, debris, and soil erosion, exposing building foundations.

What is the difference between a cyclone, storm surge, and storm tide?

A cyclone is a powerful weather system with strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding, which can cause significant damage. A storm surge is a rise in water levels along the coast due to strong winds and low pressure. A storm tide combines the storm surge with normal tidal movements. The most dangerous impacts occur when the storm surge coincides with a high tide.

How much notice will be provided ahead of a tropical cyclone?

The Bureau of Meteorology will issue a Tropical Cyclone Advice when a tropical cyclone is likely to cause gale-force winds or stronger within the next 48 hours. This lets people know when and how they may be affected. 

This includes:

• a Tropical Cyclone Watch, updated every 6 hours when gales are expected to start within 24–48 hours.
• a Tropical Cyclone Warning, every 3 hours when gales are expected within 24 hours or already happening.

What should I do if a tropical cyclone is approaching?

Stay informed and follow official warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology and local authorities. Have an emergency plan, pack an emergency kit, and know your evacuation routes. Trust only reliable sources for updates and avoid rumours.

How can I receive severe weather alerts in Queensland? 

For official weather updates, visit the Bureau of Meteorology’s Severe Weather Warnings page.  You can also check your local council’s disaster dashboard through the Get Ready Queensland website for local alerts and information.  

What items should I include in my emergency kit for severe weather events?

• Stock up on water, non-perishable food, and essential medications.
• Use what you have - Check your pantry and freezer for meals you can put together with existing supplies.
• Get creative with non-perishables - Canned goods, pasta, rice, and dried beans can go a long way.
• Long-life options - UHT milk, powdered milk, and canned proteins (tuna, chicken, beans) are great backups.
• Frozen meals - Cook and freeze meals in advance to have ready-to-go options if stores are inaccessible.
• Local alternatives - If supermarkets are closed, check local corner stores, bakeries, or petrol stations for supplies.
• Medication planning - Ensure you have at least a week's supply of essential medications in case of delays.
• Water supply - Fill containers or drink bottles with tap water ahead of time for drinking, cooking, and hygiene needs.
• Pack a first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, and a battery-powered radio.
• Include personal hygiene items like toiletries, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.
• Don't forget baby supplies, pet food, and prescription medications.
• Prepare a separate emergency kit for pets, including food, water, and any necessary medications.
• Download and print the Emergency Kit Checklist for a full list of essentials.

What is a storm surge, and will I be impacted?

Storm Surge 

Definition - abnormal rise in sea level during a storm or cyclone, driven primarily by strong winds pushing water onshore.

Potential Impacts:

• Significant coastal flooding.
• Affects low-lying coastal areas, estuaries, bays, and communities with vulnerable coastal infrastructure.

Links for guidance on getting prepared for cyclones and storm surges: 

• Bureau of Meteorology - Storm Surge Expained
• Get Ready Queensland - Cyclones and Storm Surge
• Business Storm Surge Preparations
• View Storm tide monitoring sites

What should I do to prepare my home for a cyclone or severe storm?

• Secure outdoor furniture, garden tools, and loose objects to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles.
• Inspect your roof for damage, clear gutters, and seal any gaps around windows and doors.
• Park your vehicle in a safe, covered location well before the weather worsens.
• Move valuable and electrical items to higher ground to protect them from potential flooding.
• Use sandbags to protect entry points prone to flooding, and store extra sandbags in a sheltered spot.
• Apply plastic sheeting to the inside of windows and seal the edges with tape to help reduce wind-driven rain entering your home.
• Fill your bathtub or a bucket with water to keep essentials running, like flushing the toilet if the water supply is disrupted.
  • For more details on preparing your home, visit Prepare Your Home for Severe Weather.

Should I tape up my windows?

• If you're in the BoM warning area (indicated by orange shading on the Cyclone Track Map), we encourage people to make preparatory arrangements. Instead of taping an X on your windows, which can create large, dangerous shards of glass if the window breaks, we recommend taping plastic sheeting along the inside frame of your windows. This can help prevent wind-driven rain from getting in.
• If you're in the direct path of the cyclone, it's best to board up your windows for added protection.
• If boarding up your windows seems excessive, or it's too late to do, we recommend deciding now where the safest place in your home to shelter, such as an interior room away from windows or areas prone to debris.

There’s plenty of advice on social media, but how do I know what’s most effective for preparing my windows?

When preparing your windows for a cyclone, avoid taping an "X" across them. While this may seem like a protective measure, it can create larger shards of glass if the window breaks, making it more dangerous. Instead, tape plastic sheeting or strong adhesive tape along the edges of the window, securing it to the frame. This can help minimise the impact of wind-driven rain. To reduce the chances of the glass shattering - if possible, board up windows, close your curtains or shutters for better protection. Always prioritise safety by staying indoors and taking shelter away from windows.

Why are we being told to fill up our bathtubs?

Filling up the bathtub before a severe weather event is recommended.

Following a severe weather event, essential services (like power and water supply) may be interrupted, and the water may not be safe to drink. That way, you can keep the essentials going, like flushing the toilet, boiling water for a cuppa, or even having a bird bath if the water gets cut off.

If you don't have a bathtub, or it's unsafe to fill up the tub when you have kids - fill up sinks and buckets instead.

When will we know if Evacuation Centres are activated?

Councils will share information about opening evacuation centres on their disaster dashboards.

For those councils that haven't yet promoted evacuation centres, they will be actively working on identifying the safest locations. These centres will be set up in areas that remain unaffected by the event, which is why details may not be available ahead of time.

Stay informed by checking your local council's disaster dashboard, their social media pages and official channels for the latest updates.

I am a tourist and am visiting Queensland, where can I find information?

Visitors should check Get Ready Queensland's visitor safety tips for guidance on what to do, who to call, and where to go during severe weather.

I have health conditions; how should I prepare?

Hospitals and emergency departments will operate as usual, unless they are at risk.

• Virtual emergency care is available online or by phone.
• Ensure prescriptions for essential medications are up to date.
• Your emergency kit should have at least seven days’ worth of medical supplies.
• Include first aid items, medications, prescriptions, infant supplies, sanitary products, thermometers, and chargers for medical devices.
• Power outages can affect medical device - keep them charged and have spare batteries ready.
• Store medications that require refrigeration in cold bags if power is lost.
• Discard perishable food left above 5°C for more than four hours.
• Avoid contact with floodwater—it can cause infections. Wear waterproof boots and gloves, especially if you have cuts or wounds.

As a building manager, how should I prepare the residents and workers in the building I manage?

Tips for Building Managers to Prepare:

• Car Park Flooding: Ensure residents know if the car park floods. If so, ask them to move vehicles to higher ground or another location.
• Balcony Items: Remind residents to bring in or secure items from balconies to prevent them from becoming hazards.
• Generator Location: Check the generator’s location and ensure it’s not at risk of flooding. Take action to protect it if needed.
• Vulnerable Residents: Reach out to elderly residents or those with disabilities to confirm evacuation plans if lifts are shut down.
• Emergency Contacts: Ensure residents have updated emergency contact details and access to building communications.
• Emergency Supplies: Check emergency supplies (first-aid kits, torches, etc.) and review evacuation routes with residents.
• Print Posters: Put posters in the lifts with key messaging and updates for the duration of the cyclone event.

I own a business; how should I prepare for the cyclone?

• Get advice on how to manage your business before, during and after cyclones at business.qld.gov.au
• Queensland Government is urging Queensland employers and workers to prioritise health and safety during storm/cyclone events, and the recovery period.
• Encourage your employees to make a plan now if they haven't already. 

Is there any support for the homeless?

The Department of Housing and Public Works’ Critical Response Team (CRT) conducts outreach alongside funded specialist homelessness services to known homelessness hotspots to provide people with information, advice, and access to safer accommodation.

Anyone requiring access to housing please call the Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.

Where can elderly parents, grandparents, or neighbours get support if they need to evacuate?

Here are some tips to support elderly individuals during a disaster, along with key contact numbers:

• Stay Informed: Keep them updated with reliable information from trusted sources like the Bureau of Meteorology, Emergency Services and Council Disaster Dashboards, as they may not be aware of the latest developments.
• Plan for evacuation: Ensure they know where the nearest evacuation centre is and how to get there. Arrange transport if needed.
• Contact Community Recovery if additional planning is needed or short term accommodation is required.
• Check on neighbours: Offer to check on them regularly, especially if they have mobility or health challenges.
• Limit Exposure to stressful news: Keep the news at a manageable level to reduce anxiety.

Helpful Contact Numbers

• Community Recovery Hotline: Available 24/7 at 1800 173 349 for information and support.
• Community Recovery Lifeline Hotline: Available from 8am to 8pm at 1800 116 671 for specialist disaster counselling.

Struggling to find stock at your supermarket?

Supermarket Updates: 

Local supermarkets closely monitoring supply and demand and work to replenish stock despite potential delivery challenges through a severe weather event. If a cyclone causes any disruptions, they will resume restocking promptly after the event.

Community Responsibility: 

Please assess your needs and avoid excessive buying to ensure equitable access for everyone.

Isolated Communities: 

Flooding can isolate communities, but emergency resupply is available through your local council to ensure access to essentials like food, milk, medical, and hygiene supplies if you're cut off for several days.

Resources:

• Check out this brochure for details on how to request a resupply: https://www.qra.qld.gov.au/resupply-flood-isolated-properties.

How do we find out about school closures?

For school closure updates, visit closures.qld.edu.au

For your family's safety, consider making an early decision about keeping your kids home. Information on student absences due to natural disasters and emergencies can be found at closures.qld.edu.au

Where do I find tips on preparing for my pets, and what about wildlife?

Pets

Get Ready Queensland partnered with the RSPCA in 2023 to create a Pet Emergency Plan, a valuable resource to help pet owners prepare for disasters. It covers everything from evacuation plans to keeping pets calm during severe weather.

If you haven’t already, now is the time to check it out and make sure your furry friends are included in your emergency plans.

Wildlife

Cyclones can affect wildlife through strong winds, storm surges, and flooding. Animals may become displaced as they move to safer areas or may suffer injuries.

If you come across stranded or injured native wildlife, please contact the RSPCA at 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) for immediate guidance on how to help.

There are volunteer wildlife organisations that operate in Southeast Queensland servicing most regions. If you're stuck, try a quick Google search for your local wildlife rescue hotline.

Will public transport services be affected?

Check your local public transport organisation for updates on public transport.

What should I do with my car if I don’t have a garage or carport?

• Ask friends or family if they have a spare parking spot.
• Park your car on higher ground and make arrangements now to avoid being on the roads in dangerous conditions.
• Keeping roads clear is crucial for emergency services to respond and assist those in need over the next 2-3 days.

I rely on home oxygen, what should I do if the power goes out?

• If you rely on home oxygen, it’s important to have a backup plan in case of power outages during a cyclone.
• If Home Oxygen Services are unavailable during a cyclone event, and oxygen cylinder refills are needed, please contact your oxygen supplier directly for assistance.
• Ensure you have enough portable oxygen cylinders to last at least 48-72 hours. Keep them in an easily accessible location. If your oxygen concentrator relies on power, consider having a battery-operated backup or a portable generator available to power it if needed.
• If you don't have a backup plan, contact your healthcare provider now to discuss a plan to ensure you have enough supplies.
• Reach out to your electricity provider to notify them of your medical needs, as they may be able to prioritise restoring power to your home during an outage.
• Always call 000 for health emergencies.
• Check out this link for more information: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/mass/prescribe/oxygen

Where should I place sandbags to prevent backflow of sewerage/grey water in my home?

Sandbags should be placed over floor wastes and drains (e.g. laundry, shower, and bath) to prevent backflow. To block toilets, use a small plastic bag filled with sand, weighed down by a larger sandbag

Visit Get Ready Queensland's Tips for Sandbagging for more info 

Does Energex turn off the power in a cyclone, or are we supposed to?

Energex will issue official communications and updates on the Energex Facebook page. 

How do I get help?

For urgent assistance:

• Emergency calls: 000
• Queensland State Emergency Service (SES)

For non-life threatening requests:

• lodge a request for SES assistance via www.132500.qld.gov.au or call (SES): 132 500
• download the SES app which is available for both iPhone and Android devices available here 

Information about financial and other support services for those impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred can be found here www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies

Housing maintenance

• For non-urgent maintenance requests:
• submit a maintenance request using the Tenant Assist Qld app
• submit an online maintenance request
• Find a detailed list of Queensland Emergency Contacts here 

Where to find the most up to date information

Disaster Management Queensland Webpage

Queenslanders should visit the Disaster Management Queensland webpage  for information about conditions in your local area (flooding, road closures, weather warnings, school closures, emergency contact details).

Bureau of Meteorology – Your official source 

The Bureau of Meteorology is the trusted source for cyclone, wind, and heavy rainfall forecasts and warnings. Get official forecasts, warnings & alerts to stay informed and stay safe. 

Get Ready Queensland have been advised that the Bureau of Meteorology website is best viewed using Firefox or Google Chrome browsers. Both are available at the app store for free download.

You are also able to download the BoM app.  To learn how, head to the BOM Weather App Notifications page.  

Check the latest updates here at www.bom.gov.au.

Council Disaster Dashboards: Your go-to for local updates

Your council’s disaster dashboard gives you real-time updates on:

• Evacuation Centres & their locations
• Impacted Council services
• Sandbags: Collection points and stock updates
• Local support & resources

Check it regularly to stay prepared and make safer decisions - Find your council’s dashboard.

My ceiling is leaking – what should I do?

Tips for dealing with a leaking ceiling:

Electrical Safety: Turn off your mains at the switchboard immediately. Follow the steps outlined  by Electrical Safety Queensland

Contain the Leak: If you see water stains or bubbles appearing on your ceiling/s, drain the water into a bucket or container to prevent your ceiling from sagging and potentially collapsing.

Temporary Fix: Cover the floor area with a tarp or plastic sheeting to ensure your home and belongings are not damaged by water.

Check for Damage: If the ceiling is already sagging, evacuate the area immediately, plasterboard deteriorates quickly and can collapse.

Need Help? Contact SES for assistance on 132 500

I've seen a flood warning issued by the Bureau – what should I do?

Preparing for Flooding

• Know Your Risk: Check local flood maps, stay updated on warnings, and understand how flooding could impact your home, roads, and community.
• Your Emergency Kit: Make sure essentials including medications, important documents (in waterproof bags), torches, batteries, food, water, and first aid supplies are kept together, and in a safe place.
• Secure Your Home: If safe, move valuables and electrical appliances to higher ground, and use sandbags or flood barriers if needed.
• Plan for Evacuation:
• Plan ahead by identifying safe evacuation routes and a destination if you need to leave.
• If your area is at risk of isolation during flooding, ensure your pets stay with you and make arrangements for any livestock by moving them to higher ground.
• Make a decision now on the best course of action for you and your loved ones.
• Stay Connected: Monitor official warnings from the  Bureau of Meteorology and your local council, and ensure your phone is charged with emergency contacts saved.

My property was damaged by destructive wind gusts, and now I'm facing flooding – what should I do next?

Prioritise Safety

• Ex-tropical cyclones are still dangerous and may bring heavy rain and wind. If evacuation is necessary, make the decision now and consider staying with friends or family, or head to an evacuation centre if this is not an option.
• Wait for the wind and rain to ease before assessing damage or attempting cleanup.
• Be cautious of fallen trees, power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. Never touch or move downed power lines or handle electrical appliances in wet areas.
• Floodwaters can rise quickly - stay alert and avoid driving or walking through flooded areas. Remember, if it's flooded, forget it. 

Roof Damage

• If your roof is damaged by fallen trees or has sustained structural damage from wind gusts, you should consider evacuating and staying with friends or family or head to an evacuation centre if this is not an option.

Financial and other Support Services

• Information about financial and other support services for those impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred can be found here www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies

Emotional Support

• Experiencing severe weather can be stressful. If you need support, call the Community Recovery Lifeline Hotline at 1800 116 671 (available 24/7).