Cyclones in the Northern Territory

The Top End of the Northern Territory is naturally prone to tropical cyclone events with some two to three cyclones affecting the region between November and April each year.

The cyclone season officially commences on 1 November and ceases on 30 April, but cyclonic events have been known to occur outside this period. Cyclones usually affect coastal areas up to 50 km inland from the sea, so whether you live in the city or the rural area, learning to protect yourself, your family and your property from cyclones can assist in minimising the potential losses and trauma that you might suffer.

Click below for some helpful information pages and links:

• Cyclone Action Guide
• CYCLONE ACTION GUIDE IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES 
• Cyclone Tracking Map
• Sheltering from Cyclones 
• Your Emergency Plan 
• Information from Department of Planning and Infrastructure on your home in a cyclone
• Fact Sheet - Is your house safe in a cyclone?
• Fact Sheet - Is your house PREPARED for a cyclone?
• Fact Sheet - Improving the safety offered by your home in a cyclone.

When there is a cyclone threat, warning messages are issued to the public via radio and television.

Once a Cyclone Watch is issued

• Re-check your property for any loose material and tie down (or fill with water) all large, relatively light items such as boats and rubbish bins.
• Fill your vehicles' fuel tanks. Fill Jerry cans with fuel if you have any.
• Check your emergency kit and fill any water containers you may have (you should have at least 3 litres of water per person per day for at least 72 hours).
• Ensure household members know what the strongest part of the house is and what to do in the event of a cyclone warning or an evacuation.
• Tune in to your local radio and/or television stations for further information and warnings.
• Check neighbours are aware of the situation and are preparing.

A CYCLONE WARNING indicates the areas and communities that may experience gales or stronger winds within 24 hours.

Upon a Cyclone Warning

• Listen for the announcement that schools will close and be prepared to collect your children.
• Park vehicles under solid shelter (with the handbrake on and in gear).
• Put wooden or plastic outdoor furniture in your pool or inside with other loose items.
• Close shutters and board or heavily tape all windows.
• Draw curtains and shut doors.
• In case you may need to evacuate, pack an evacuation kit of warm clothes, essential medications, baby formula, nappies etc, valuables, important papers, photos, mementoes in waterproof bags; to be taken with your emergency kit.
• Large/heavy valuables could be protected in a strong cupboard.
• Remain indoors (with your pets).
• Stay tuned to your local radio/television for further information.

These warning messages include an estimate of the severity of the cyclone by the use of a category number and the storm surge threat. These cyclone messages allow the public to take appropriate precautions before the onset of gale force winds. The cyclone categories are listed below.

See below for Cyclone Severity Categories.

A good cyclone survival plan includes knowing where you and your family and pets will shelter.

Click HERE to find out about your options for sheltering from a Cyclone.

Storm Surge is a dangerous part of a Cyclone’s armoury that a lot of people are unaware of.

Click HERE to find out about storm surge in Darwin and if YOU could be affected.

NOW is the time to act, BEFORE a cyclone is on the doorstep and you’ve been left with not enough time to prepare yourself, your family or your home.

Preparing your own home and yard is a great place to start.

• Check that the walls, roof and eaves of your home are secure.
• Trim tree tops and branches well clear of your home (get council permission).
• Preferably fit shutters, or at least metal screens, to all glass areas.
• Clear your property of loose material that could blow about and possibly cause injury or damage during extreme winds.
• In the case of a STORM SURGE / tidal warning, or other flooding, know your nearest safe high ground and the safest access route to it.
• Prepare an emergency kit that can sustain every member of the household for at least 72 hours. Click on link below for what items should be in your kit.

Click HERE to go to our GET READY. GET THRU page that has some more helpful hints on how to be prepared for any emergency or disaster in the Territory!

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