Bureau of Meteorology report urges Australians to prepare for cyclone season despite weak cyclone prediction

The latest tropical cyclone season outlook released by the Australian government's Bureau of Meteorology suggests that Australia would face a less active cyclone season this year because of the strong El Nino effect over the tropical Pacific Ocean.

A typical cyclone season in Australia lasts between November and April. Around 11 cyclones pass through the Australian coast each season. However, this year, the bureau expects fewer tropical cyclones than normal because of the strong El Nino phenomenon.

The El Nino effect is expected to continue until early 2016. In addition to reducing the number of cyclone, the phenomenon has delayed the date of the first cyclone to cross the Australian coast to the second week of January.

Although El Nino reduced the number of cyclone crossings, historical records suggests that at least one cyclone has crossed the Australian coast each season since 1970s. Therefore, the Bureau has urged Australians to start preparing for the cyclone season well in advance.

Even though they remain well offshore, tropical cyclones can significantly impact the coastal communities. High winds and storm surges can lead to disastrous results.

"We know from history the devastating effect even small cyclones have had on our communities," said Dr Andrew Watkins, in a statement. "In January 2013, Oswald caused major flooding for virtually the entire Queensland coast as it tracked steadily south as an ex-tropical cyclone, or tropical low.”

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