Two significant events in Australia are happening on November 1st 2016. It is not only Melbourne Cup day but also the start of tropical cyclone season! The season officially lasts until April 30th.
Tropical cyclones are named mainly to help communicate warnings and advice to the general public. Names are also useful to avoid confusion if there are more than one occurring near Australia at the same time and to remember the tropical cyclones that had a large impact on the community. The names are selected from a predetermined list that alternates between male and female, so you’re unfortunately not going to see ‘Tropical Cyclone Who Shot Thebarman’ on a weather chart this season.
One may hear terms such as Hurricane, Typhoon and Tropical Cyclone and wonder what the difference is between them. They are actually describing the same weather phenomena in different parts of the world. The term Hurricane is used in the oceans surrounding North America. Typhoon is used in the North-West Pacific Ocean, which includes the waters of Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China and the Philippines. That leaves the term Tropical Cyclones for the Indian Ocean and South Pacific.
What we can expect this season is an average to above-average number of tropical cyclones. Average for the Australian region is 11, with 4 crossing the coast.
The impacts can be devastating when a tropical cyclone makes landfall. Heavy rain, strong winds, storm surges, and even tornadoes are possible. Sometimes unexpected impacts can be felt in the wider community. Back in 2006, Tropical Cyclone Larry destroyed 80-90% of Australia’s banana crop, increasing prices across the country by 400-500%. Morecast’s Meteorologist Nick Allinson recalls that, “If you even looked at a neighbour’s banana in their fruit bowl you would have been kicked out of their house.”
The timing of the first tropical cyclone to form this season is unknown, however we know it’s name will be Yvette. The more important question though is which name will cross the line first on Tuesday afternoon. Go Oceanographer! 😉