Queensland government issues warning about cyclone threat

Despite the quiet start to the tropical cyclone season, businesses in northwest Queensland are being alerted to the increased cyclone risk from February through to April.

"Our pre-season prediction of a delayed start to the season has come true" said Andrew Burton, manager of the Severe Weather Section. "However, although we're on track for a below-average number of cyclones, the chances of a tropical cyclone increases significantly from mid-February right through to April", he cautioned. During El Niño patterns such as this it is common to have severe cyclones forming as late as April.

"It is important that people recheck their cyclone preparations as we come to the business end of the season", Mr Burton added.

Tropical cyclone outlook for the remainder of the season
* Significant risk of a severe cyclone coastal impact during the remainder of the season.
* Higher than usual chance of tropical cyclone activity in April.
* Total number of cyclones in the northwest region this season likely to be below average (the average number of cyclones is five).

For weekly updates on the state of the tropics go to: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/tropnote/tropnote.shtml

•Date: 2nd Feb 2007 • Region: Australia •Type: Article •Topic: Warnings
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