Categories of cyclone severity range from 1 for weak cyclones to 5 for the most severe cyclones.

 

Category	Average wind (km/h)	Strongest Gust (km/h)	Central Pressure (hPa)
1	63-90	Less than 125	Greater than 985

 

Typical effects (indicative only): Negligible house damage. Damage to some crops, trees, caravans. Craft may drag moorings.

 

Category	Average wind (km/h)	Strongest Gust (km/h)	Central Pressure (hPa)
2	90-120	125-170	985-970

 

Typical effects (indicative only): Minor house damage. Significant damage to signs, trees, caravans. Heavy damage to crops. Risk of power failure. Small craft may break moorings.

 

Category	Average wind (km/h)	Strongest Gust (km/h)	Central Pressure (hPa)
3	120-160	170-225	970-945

 

Typical effects (indicative only): Some roof and structural damage. Some caravans destroyed. Power failures likely.

 

Category	Average wind (km/h)	Strongest Gust (km/h)	Central Pressure (hPa)
4	160-200	225-280	945-920

 

Typical effects (indicative only): Significant roofing loss and structural damage. Many caravans destroyed and blown away. Dangerous airborne debris. Widespread power failures.

 

Category	Average wind (km/h)	Strongest Gust (km/h)	Central Pressure (hPa)
5	More than 200	More than 280	Below 920

 

Typical effects (indicative only): Extremely dangerous with widespread destruction.

An estimate of cyclone severity is now included in all tropical cyclone advices. The tables above provide information concerning effects due to wind, which are typical of cyclones in the various categories. Remember that the system is not designed to give an exact statement of conditions at individual locations but will give a general idea of the expected worst conditions.

Cyclone Movement

Research has shown that cyclones in the Australian region exhibit more erratic paths than cyclones in other parts of the world. A tropical cyclone can last for a few days or up to two or three weeks. Movement in any direction is possible including sharp turns and even loops.

Never Become Complacent

Even if previous cyclones have not moved over your area this is no guarantee that future cyclones will also miss you.