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 surges, 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?

As a cyclone moves inland, its strongest winds weaken. Winds near the eye usually decrease once the cyclone moves over land, and winds are weaker the further you are from the centre.

Even after a cyclone is downgraded, some areas can still experience damaging winds and heavy rainfall.

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

Cyclones can cause serious damage. Strong winds can damage homes and buildings, especially those that are older, poorly maintained, or in exposed locations. Common damage includes:

• Roofs being blown off
• Verandahs and roofs damaged because of rotten or termite-affected timber
• Gutters and eaves coming loose if they are not well secured
• Rain being blown into buildings through vents, gaps, flashings, windows, or sliding doors
• Doors and windows breaking due to flying debris
• Garage doors being blown in or out.

Coastal properties may also be damaged by large waves, debris, and erosion, which can expose 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?

• Store enough water, non-perishable food, and essential medicines to last several days
• Use what you already have – check your pantry and freezer for meals you can make from current supplies
• Choose long-lasting foods like canned goods, pasta, rice, and dried beans
• Add long-life options such as UHT or powdered milk and canned protein (tuna, chicken, beans)
• Cook and freeze meals ahead of time so you have easy options if shops are closed
• If supermarkets are shut, look for supplies at local convenience shops, bakeries, or petrol stations
• Make sure you have at least one week’s supply of prescription medications
• Fill bottles or containers with tap water for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene
• Pack a first aid kit, torch, spare batteries, and a battery-powered radio
• Include personal hygiene items like toiletries, wet wipes, and hand sanitiser
• Don’t forget baby supplies, pet food, and any special medical needs
• Prepare a separate kit for pets, including food, water, and medications
• Download and print an Emergency Kit Checklist for a complete list of essentials
• Download and print the Emergency Kit Checklist for a full list of essentials

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

A storm surge is when sea levels rise higher than normal during a storm or cyclone. This happens mainly because strong winds push ocean water toward the shore, causing water to pile up along the coast.

Storm surges can lead to serious coastal flooding, especially in low-lying coastal areas. They often affect estuaries, bays, and communities with coastal infrastructure that isn’t well protected, such as roads, homes, and ports. If you live near the coast or close to waterways connected to the sea, you may be more likely to feel the impacts.

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

• Bureau of Meteorology - Storm Surge Explained
• 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 or bring inside outdoor furniture, garden tools, and loose items so they don’t become dangerous in strong winds
• Check your roof for damage, clear gutters, and seal gaps around windows and doors to reduce water entry
• Park your vehicle in a safe, covered place before the weather worsens
• Move valuables and electrical items to higher ground in case of flooding
• Place sandbags at doors and other entry points that are prone to flooding, and store extra sandbags in a sheltered spot
• Tape plastic sheeting to the inside of windows to help stop wind-driven rain from entering
• Fill your bathtub or buckets with water so you can still flush toilets or manage basic needs if water supplies are 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 (shown in orange on the Cyclone Track Map), you should start preparing your home. Don’t tape an X on your windows as this can cause large, dangerous pieces of glass if a window breaks. Instead, tape plastic sheeting to the inside of the window frame to help stop rain being forced inside by strong winds.
• If your home is in the direct path of the cyclone, boarding up windows is the safest option and provides extra protection.
• If boarding up windows isn’t practical or there isn’t enough time, decide in advance where the safest place is to shelter inside your home. This should be an interior room, away from windows and areas where debris could enter.

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, don’t tape an X on them — it can make dangerous glass shards if the window breaks. Instead, attach plastic sheeting or strong tape along the edges of the window frame to help keep wind-driven rain out. If possible, board up windows for extra protection and close curtains or shutters for added safety. Always stay indoors and shelter in a room away from windows to reduce the risk of injury.

Why are we being told to fill up our bathtubs?

You’re asked to fill your bathtub before a severe storm because after the event, services like water and electricity might be disrupted, and tap water may not be safe to drink. Having water stored lets you do essential things like flushing the toilet, boiling water for drinks, or even giving pets water if the supply is cut off. 

If you don’t have a bathtub or it’s unsafe to fill it (for example, if you have young children), you can fill sinks and buckets instead.

When will we know if evacuation centres are activated?

Councils will let people know when evacuation centres are open through their disaster dashboards. 

If your council hasn’t shared information yet, they are still working to find the safest places to set up centres. These centres are usually in areas that won’t be affected by the storm, so details might not be available early. 

Keep up to date by checking your local council’s disaster dashboard, social media pages, and other official channels.

I am a tourist, where can I find information?

Visitors should check Get Ready Queensland's visitor safety tips  for guidance on what to do, who to contact, 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
• Make sure 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 devices — keep them charged and have spare batteries ready
• Store medications that need refrigeration in cold bags if the power goes out
• Throw away perishable food left above 5°C for more than four hours
• Avoid contact with floodwater, which can cause infections; wear waterproof boots and gloves, especially if you have cuts or wounds

For more information on accessibility and safety during severe weather, please visit Get Ready Queensland's Accessibility and Safety Guide.

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

Before a cyclone or severe storm, building managers can take steps to keep residents safe and reduce damage:

• Car park flooding: Let residents know if the car park floods and ask them to move vehicles to higher ground or another safe location
• Balcony items: Remind residents to bring in or secure items on balconies so they don’t become hazards
• Generator location: Make sure the generator isn’t at risk of flooding and take steps to protect it if needed
• Vulnerable residents: Contact elderly residents or those with disabilities to confirm evacuation plans if lifts are out of service
• Emergency contacts: Ensure residents have up-to-date emergency contacts and can access building communications
• Emergency supplies: Check first-aid kits, torches, and other emergency supplies, and review evacuation routes with residents
• Print posters: Put up posters in lifts with key messages and updates during the cyclone or storm event

I own a business. How should I prepare for a 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
• Reach out 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 fear

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

I'm struggling to find stock at the supermarket, what should I do?

Supermarkets monitor supply and demand and work to keep shelves stocked, even if deliveries are sometimes delayed by severe weather. If a cyclone or flood occurs, restocking resumes as soon as it is safe.

To help the community, only purchase what you need so everyone has access to essentials.

If flooding isolates your area, the local council can provide emergency supplies such as food, milk, medicine, and hygiene items for several days.

For more information on requesting a resupply, visit: Resupply for Flood-Isolated Properties

How do we find out about school closures?

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

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 helps pet owners get ready for disasters, including how to evacuate safely and keep pets calm during severe weather. Check it out to make sure your pets are included in your emergency plans.

Wildlife

Cyclones can hurt wildlife through strong winds, flooding, and storm surges. Animals may get lost, injured, or displaced.

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 early so you’re not driving in dangerous conditions
• Keeping roads clear is important so emergency services can get through and help people over the next 2–3 days

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

• Have a backup plan: Make sure you have enough portable oxygen cylinders to last 48–72 hours and keep them easy to reach
• Power options: If your oxygen concentrator needs electricity, consider a battery backup or portable generator
• Supplier contact: If you need cylinder refills and your Home Oxygen Service is unavailable, contact your oxygen supplier directly
• Plan ahead: If you don’t already have a plan, speak to your healthcare provider now to make sure you have enough oxygen
• Notify your electricity provider: Let them know you rely on oxygen—they may prioritize restoring power during an outage
• Emergencies: Always call 000 if you have a health emergency
• For more information, see: Queensland Health – Home 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

Housing maintenance —

For non-urgent maintenance requests, you can submit a request using the Tenant Assist Qld app or submit an online maintenance request. For a detailed list of Queensland emergency contacts, see 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 and emergency contact details).

Bureau of Meteorology

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) is the trusted source for forecasts and warnings about cyclones, strong winds, and heavy rainfall. Get official forecasts, warnings, and alerts to stay informed and safe.

The BoM website works best in Firefox or Google Chrome, both of which are free to download from the app store. You can also download the BoM Weather App to receive updates on your phone. For instructions, visit the BOM Weather App Notifications page.

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

Council Disaster Dashboards: Your go-to guide for local updates

Your council’s disaster dashboard provides real-time updates on evacuation centres and their locations, impacted council services, sandbag collection points and stock, and local support and resources. Check it regularly to stay prepared and make safer decisions. Find your council’s dashboard here.

Local ABC Radio

You can stay informed with regular updates by tuning in to your local ABC Radio station..

My ceiling is leaking, what should I do?

If you notice water leaking from your ceiling, follow these steps to stay safe and limit damage:

• Electrical Safety: Turn off your mains at the switchboard immediately. Follow guidance from Electrical Safety Queensland
• Contain the Leak: Collect water in a bucket or container to prevent the ceiling from sagging or collapsing
• Temporary Fix: Cover the floor with a tarp or plastic sheeting to protect your home and belongings
• Check for Damage: If the ceiling is sagging, evacuate the area immediately—plasterboard can deteriorate quickly and collapse

Need Help? Contact the 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

• Wait for conditions to improve: Do not assess damage or start cleanup until the wind and rain have eased.
• Be cautious: Watch for fallen trees, power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. Never touch downed power lines or use electrical appliances in wet areas.
• Avoid floodwaters: Water can rise quickly. Do not drive or walk through flooded areas. Always remember: if it’s flooded, forget it.

Roof damage

• If your roof is damaged by fallen trees or strong winds, consider evacuating. Stay with friends or family if possible, or go to an evacuation centre if you have no other safe option.

Financial help and other support services

• Information about financial help and other support services for those impacted by a cyclone 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).