What is the hazard?
A tropical cyclone is a violent storm with very high winds which can be in excess of 200km /h.
Cyclones often bring heavy rain which can cause flooding.
Although tropical cyclones are usually associated with areas of Queensland further north such as Mackay, Townsville and Cairns, they have impacted areas in South East Queensland in the past.
Tropical cyclones are associated with warm tropical waters and if sea temperatures continue to rise, there is an increased risk of tropical cyclones affecting the Moreton Bay region.
They are most likely to occur in the warmer months of Summer and Autumn.
How to be prepared
Preparation for and response to tropical cyclones are the same as for severe storm events.
Additionally, with very high wind events, it may be necessary to take shelter during the event in the strongest part of the house - a cellar, internal room, hallway or built-in wardrobe.
Sheltering under a strong table or bench covered with a mattress or doona can provide additional safety if a building starts to break up.
It may also be necessary to evacuate prior to a Tropical Cyclone event if very high winds or storm surge are expected.
Stay tuned to 612ABC, 101.5FM or 99.7FM for advice and warnings and, if necessary, activate your emergency plan and evacuation arrangements.
If evacuation is advised, remember to go quickly while it is still safe to do so.
The Moreton Bay region does not have any cyclone rated evacuation centres. If evacuation is required, seek refuge with family or friends in the first instance or, as a last resort Council evacuation centres will provide a safer location.
For information about which evacuation centres are being used during an event, see evacuation centres or contact Council.
The eye of the cyclone
Cyclones have an eye which can be quite calm.
It is important to stay inside until you have received official advice that it is safe to go outside as the cyclone may not have passed.
Storm surge is a rapid rise in sea level which can moves inland very quickly. When combined with a normal tide, a storm tide is created.
A storm tide is not the same as a tidal wave (which is a towering wall of sea water which comes crashing into shore).
A storm tide comes in like a rapidly rising tide but it can be extremely dangerous and destructive.
Preparation for and response to storm tide are the same as for flood.