Qld warned to brace for triple threat of cyclones, floods, heatwaves
Premier David Crisafulli warns Queenslanders to brace for a triple threat disaster season as experts predict more intense cyclones, flooding and extreme heat until April.
A triple threat disaster season featuring cyclones, flooding and extreme heatwaves could smash Queensland for the next six months, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned.
The extended disaster season will likely last until the end of April due to volatile climate conditions, including 15 months straight of record-breaking ocean temperatures.
Cyclone threat will also increase with any formations off the east coast likely to quickly intensify to a category-three system.
Premier David Crisafulli said Queenslanders should be prepared for “every likelihood” large parts of the state would see higher-than-average rainfall, the prospect of a severe tropical cyclone and warmer-than-average temperatures.
THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A MORE IMPORTANT TIME TO PREPARE FOR STORM SEASON. READ TODAY’S EDITORIAL AND JOIN THE DISCUSSION
“There’s the likelihood of extra challenges this year, but it’s nothing that Queenslanders can’t handle, and you need to know that we’ve done the work, we are ready, and I have every faith in Queensland as being ready as well,” he said.
It follows three severe weather events last season, including two devastating floods in Far North Queensland and Central Queensland, as well as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred crossing the south east coast.
The Bureau of Meteorology have flagged any cyclones forming in the coral sea will likely reach a higher category and have an increased chance of crossing the coast.
This has been exacerbated by warming ocean temperatures around Australia, which have been either the warmest or second warmest on record each month since July 2024.
It is possible the south east could see another tropical cyclone, with ocean temperatures in Bundaberg already sitting at a prime 26C before summer has officially started.
State Disaster Co-ordinator Chris Stream said the frequency of floods and cyclones was increasing across Queensland.
“We really do need Queenslanders to be ready this season, and be ready and prepared for anything.
“As I said, the weather can behave abnormally at times and sometimes outside of what we’re generally forecasting there,” he said.
Bureau of Meteorology national production services Brisbane manager Matt Collopy said Queensland’s severe weather would likely last from November to the end of April.
“The persistent higher ocean temperatures around the Queensland coast do increase the likelihood of severe tropical cyclones now, flash and riverine flooding are more common during the severe weather season, and the Bureau’s long range forecast does indicate an increased likelihood of above average rainfall for large parts of Queensland.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday said preparations for the high risk weather season have been more extensive than ever.
Mr Crisafulli said the government had learned from shortcomings of last disaster season and were focused on improvements to the pre-positioning of assets, telecommunications and conversations between different levels of government.
As the high-risk season begins, Mr Crisafulli will also push for the federal government to axe the bureau’s $40,000 paywall for councils to get critical real-time weather information.
He said he has not heard back from Canberra about reversing this decision.
