It’s time to Get Ready for storm season with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting a little more rain and increased cyclone activity this wet season.
BOM has confirmed that a La Nina has formed in the tropical Pacific, with climate models suggesting it’s likely to remain until at least the end of 2020.
While the bureau advises it is not likely to be severe, residents can expect:
- A wetter than average spring and summer in northern and eastern Australia
- More cyclones to form within the Australian region
- An earlier start to the monsoon and wet season
- Cooler than average days and warmer than average nights
- A less severe fire risk
Bundaberg Regional Council Disaster Management portfolio spokesperson Cr Greg Barnes said residents should be prepared for storm season.
“As Queenslanders we know that every year we need to prepare for storm season by clearing our yards of debris and loose items and preparing an emergency kit,” Cr Barnes said.
“The La Nina is not cause for alarm, but it does make it more likely that we will see cyclones form off the coast of Queensland.
“But given where we live, we know cyclones are always a possibility during storm season which is why it’s so important we Get Ready for storm season.”
According to BOM, on average there are nine to 13 tropical cyclones each season in the Australian region, four of which typically cross the coast.
Despite the increased cyclone risk Cr Barnes said he had no doubt many residents, and in particular primary producers, would welcome the predicted rain and a reduction in the risk of bushfire outbreaks.
“The La Nina will likely bring some much-needed rain to drought-stricken areas across central and northern Queensland.”
He said the Bundaberg Local Disaster Management Group in collaboration with the District Disaster Management Group were well prepared and well exercised to respond to weather events according to the advice of the Bureau of Meteorology.
“It’s important that individual households are just as prepared for storm season.
“By ensuring that we take every precaution to reduce risks to our homes and families, we can all play a role in reducing the demand on our emergency services during these busy periods.
“In case of an emergency event you need to know where your family can go and have the essentials on hand like a torch, radio and medication.”
For advice on how to Get Ready head to https://www.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/get-ready.
“In a disaster event people should stay tuned to the disaster dashboard on Council’s website,” Cr Barnes said.
“This is a one-stop-shop for all disaster and emergency information and is regularly updated on a 24/7 basis.”
For the latest weather advice head to the weather bureau website.
It’s La Niña, not La Nina (it’s Spanish for “the girl”, not Italian).