Cyclone Severity Categories
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.