Cairns Cyclone Safety & Preparation Guide for Residents
Cairns, located in Far North Queensland, is no stranger to tropical cyclones. Each year, during the cyclone season from November to April, residents face the risk of severe storms, high winds, and heavy rainfall. Staying informed and prepared is crucial to protect your home, family, and community.
This guide will provide the latest information on Cairns Cyclone, explain how warnings work, and offer practical safety tips for before, during, and after a tropical cyclone. Whether you’re a long-term resident or new to the area, understanding the risks and taking the right precautions can make all the difference in keeping safe during extreme weather events.
Cyclone Warnings and Alerts in Cairns
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) monitors tropical cyclones closely and issues official alerts to keep residents informed. In Cairns, there are typically two types of notices: Cyclone Watches and Cyclone Warnings.
Cyclone Watch: This is issued when a tropical cyclone may affect your area within 24 to 48 hours. Residents should start preparing by securing their property, checking emergency kits, and staying updated with forecasts.
Cyclone Warning: This is a more urgent alert, issued when a cyclone is expected to impact the area within 24 hours. When a cyclone warning is declared for Cairns, immediate action is required to ensure safety, such as sheltering indoors, moving vehicles under cover, and protecting loose outdoor items.
The BOM provides real-time updates on cyclone paths, wind speeds, and affected areas. Residents are advised to stay tuned to local radio, official websites, and emergency apps to receive the latest information. By understanding and acting on these alerts promptly, you can significantly reduce the risks posed by a tropical cyclone.
What Are the Types of Cyclones?
Cyclones can be categorised based on their intensity, location, and structure. In the Cairns region, the main type residents need to be aware of is the tropical cyclone.
1. Tropical Cyclones
These form over warm ocean waters and are the most common cyclone type in northern Australia. They bring strong winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms, and can cause flooding, structural damage, and power outages.
2. Extra-Tropical Cyclones
Less common in Cairns, these form over cooler waters and usually affect southern regions. They can still produce strong winds and heavy rainfall but are typically less intense than tropical cyclones.
3. Subtropical Cyclones
Subtropical cyclones are hybrid systems with both tropical and extra-tropical features, typically forming over waters not warm enough for full tropical development. They are rare near Cairns, as the region’s warm seas usually favour purely tropical cyclones.
4. Cyclone Categories
In Australia, cyclones are classified from Category 1 to Category 5 based on maximum wind gusts, with Category 1 being mild gales and Category 5 causing extreme destruction. Knowing the category helps residents prepare and respond appropriately.
Preparing Your Home and Family for a Cyclone
Preparing for a cyclone is essential for every Cairns household, especially during peak storm season when winds, flooding, and long-lasting power outages can occur. Taking the right steps early can help protect your property, keep your family safe, and ensure you have the essentials you need if conditions worsen.
1. Secure Your Home
Before cyclone season begins, check that your roof, walls, and eaves are secure. Trim branches that hang near your house and clear your yard of loose items that could become dangerous in high winds. Outdoor furniture, bins, and tools should be brought inside or secured. If you have shutters or metal screens, close them to reduce the risk of broken windows.
2. Prepare an Emergency Kit
Every household should have an emergency kit ready. Include essentials such as:
A battery-powered radio
Torches and spare batteries
Non-perishable food and water
First aid supplies
Waterproof bags for important documents
Medications, baby supplies, and hygiene items
Keep the kit in an accessible location and ensure everyone in the family knows where it is.
3. Create a Family Cyclone Plan
Discuss evacuation routes, shelter areas inside your home, and how you will communicate if phone lines go down. Households in storm tide evacuation zones should know where to go and leave early if advised. If staying home, shelter in the strongest room—usually an internal hallway or bathroom—well away from windows.
4. Preparing for Power Outages
Cyclones in Cairns often cause widespread and extended electricity outages. This makes having reliable backup power a critical part of cyclone preparedness. A home energy solution such as a power station can keep essential devices running when the grid goes down.
A strong starting option for many households is the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station. With a 2,048Wh base capacity (expandable up to 6kWh) and a 2,400W AC output, it can power daily essentials such as fridges, lights, fans, routers, and small appliances during shorter outages. Its fast multi-source charging and manageable size make it practical for both home use and emergency evacuation.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station
For households needing greater whole-home resilience during severe cyclone-related blackouts, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station offers a major step up. With a 4,096Wh base capacity and 4,000W output, it can run multiple critical appliances at once—including refrigerators, communication devices, medical equipment, and essential household electronics. The <10ms UPS switchover ensures uninterrupted power for sensitive devices, while solar, AC, and vehicle charging options provide dependable energy even during extended outages.
You can also review additional outage preparation tips here: prepare for power outage.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station
5. Stay Updated and Monitor Warnings
Always follow official cyclone warning alerts from the Bureau of Meteorology. Keep a battery-powered radio ready in case communication networks fail. Check on neighbours, especially elderly residents or recent arrivals who may not be familiar with cyclone procedures.
Emergency Steps During a Cyclone in Cairns
When a cyclone strikes, it’s crucial to act quickly, stay calm, and follow official instructions to keep your household safe. Cairns residents should remain indoors, monitor updates closely, and take protective measures to avoid injuries from wind, debris, flooding, and power outages.
1. Stay Indoors and Move to the Safest Room
During the cyclone, stay inside your home and keep well clear of windows, doors, and skylights. Shelter in the strongest part of your property—typically an interior hallway, a built-in wardrobe, or a bathroom. Have mattresses, blankets, or cushions ready to protect yourself if the structure begins to fail.
2. Keep Updated With Official Alerts
Continue listening to your battery-powered radio or mobile alerts (if available). Weather conditions can change rapidly, and updated instructions may include evacuation notices, hazard warnings, or “all clear” confirmations. Do not go outside unless authorities advise it is safe.
3. Beware of the Eye of the Cyclone
If the winds suddenly become calm, do not assume the cyclone has passed. The “eye” is often followed by a second wave of destructive winds coming from the opposite direction. Remain sheltered until the official “all clear” is issued.
4. Disconnect Electrical Appliances
Unplug electrical devices and keep them elevated if flooding is possible. Disconnecting appliances reduces the risk of power surges or electric shock when the grid is unstable. If instructed by authorities, turn off electricity and gas at the mains.
5. Avoid Using Landline Phones and Plumbing
Avoid using landline telephones and taps during the storm—lightning can travel through phone lines and plumbing systems. Use only mobile devices if necessary and ensure they are connected to a reliable backup power supply.
6. Remain in Your Vehicle if Caught Outside
If you’re driving when the cyclone hits, stop immediately in a safe location away from trees, power lines, waterways, and low-lying flood zones. Keep the handbrake on, stay inside, and wait until the danger passes.
7. Keep Emergency and Evacuation Kits Close
Have your emergency kit, medications, water, and important documents within reach. Make sure everyone in your household, including pets, stays together and has access to essentials throughout the event. As part of your emergency supplies, ensure your home backup generator is ready to provide power for essential devices if an outage occurs.
After the Cyclone: Recovery and Caution
Once authorities announce that the cyclone threat has passed, the period that follows can still be extremely dangerous. Downed power lines, unstable structures, contaminated water, and hidden debris pose serious risks, so it’s important to move carefully and follow official instructions.
1. Wait for the official “all clear”
Do not go outside until emergency services confirm it is safe. Cyclone conditions can shift quickly, and strong winds may return without warning.
2. Stay alert for hazards
When you step outside, watch out for fallen power lines, broken glass, sharp debris, damaged roofs, and weakened trees. Report life-threatening hazards to local authorities immediately.
3. Avoid floodwater
Don’t walk or drive through flooded areas. Floodwater may hide debris, sinkholes, or sewage contamination.
4. Check your home safely
Inspect your home for structural damage, roof issues, and water leaks. Do not use electrical appliances that have been exposed to water until checked by a qualified professional.
5. Listen for updates
Keep monitoring ABC Radio or local disaster dashboards for updates on road closures, electricity restoration, and community support services.
6. Support neighbours
Check on elderly neighbours, newcomers, or anyone who may need help cleaning up or accessing supplies.
7. Returning after evacuation
If you evacuated earlier, only return home when authorities confirm it’s safe and accessible. Use recommended routes, as some roads may still be blocked or flooded.
8. Document any damage
Take photos or videos for insurance claims before starting repairs. This speeds up the assessment process and helps with disaster assistance applications if needed.
9. Manage power safely
If you’re using a backup generator or portable power station, operate it outdoors in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety guidelines. Never run petrol generators indoors due to carbon monoxide risks.
Conclusion
Facing a Cairns cyclone can be challenging, but staying informed, preparing early, and following official guidance can make a significant difference in your safety and recovery. By taking proactive steps and remaining alert even after the storm has passed, residents can better protect their homes, families, and communities from future severe weather events.
FAQs
Has Cairns ever had a cyclone?
Cairns, located in Far North Queensland’s tropical cyclone zone, has experienced multiple severe cyclones. Cyclone Winifred (1986) and Cyclone Yasi (2011) caused significant wind and flooding impacts in the region. Even with strong building standards and emergency systems, these events show residents must stay alert each cyclone season and follow official safety updates.
Was Cairns affected by the cyclone?
Cairns is often affected by tropical cyclones, even without direct landfall. Impacts include strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, storm surges, and power outages. Nearby communities may face the worst damage, while Cairns still experiences hazardous conditions. Residents should closely monitor official warnings, as conditions can change rapidly and effects may extend far from the cyclone’s centre.
What are the warning signs that a cyclone is approaching Cairns?
Warning signs of an approaching cyclone in Cairns include rapidly increasing winds, darkening skies with heavy clouds, sudden drops in air pressure, and intense, persistent rainfall. Residents may also notice rising tides or coastal surges. Stay tuned to official BOM alerts for accurate, real-time updates.