Cyclone Fina threat sees weather watchers seek alternatives to new Bureau website
Territorians are turning to alternative weather tracking platforms as TC Fina looms, following criticism of the Bureau's redesigneded website. VOTE IN OUR POLL.
It’s that time of year again: manic refreshes of cyclone radars, panic buying and constant weather checks.
Territorians are keeping a close eye on cyclone forecasts as Tropical Cyclone Fina churns in the Timor Sea, with the Bureau cautioning the system could develop into a category 2 cyclone within days.
But in the wake of the Bureau launching its new-look site – widely criticised by many Australians over hard-to-find features – some weather enthusiasts have turned to other third-party online platforms to track the system.
For example, some have turned to Facebook account CyclonesOz, run by Josh Toohey, who uses Windy to make the most of his forecasts.
Mr Toohey’s Perth-based CyclonesOz page has become a go-to for many Territorians lately, with more than 60,000 followers hanging on his updates.
Windy, the site Mr Toohey uses, is a free, interactive weather forecasting service that displays visual data from various weather models.
It is used worldwide by pilots, storm chasers, outdoor enthusiasts and the general public.
Others have turned to WeatherIQ for their daily updates, with one Facebook user thanking the site for its “balanced facts and a level headed rationale”.
According to its Facebook page, WeatherIQ is a “weather intel business” for tropical Australia.
Weatherzone has also become a popular pick, especially among broadcasters such as Channel Nine.
Founded in 1998 by former Bureau meteorologist Mark Hardy, Weatherzone is another major commercial weather company used by many across the country.
Other popular Territory sites include StormscapesDarwin.net which has nearly 10,000 followers and Pilko’s Chat on Weather group which has around 5000 members.
Ultimately, though, most have chosen to stick with the Bureau’s forecasting – which the Bureau recommends everyone follow.
The Bureau provides forecasts and cyclone tracks and encourages Territorians to stay alert for updates.
Bureau forecasters warned on Tuesday a tropical low near Darwin would likely intensify into Cyclone Fina by Thursday, bringing destructive winds and heavy rain to the Top End.
TC Fina eventually formed early Wednesday.
Bureau Senior Meteorologist Jonathan How said in a phone interview it was unclear what the cyclone’s strength would be when it made landfall, but it would nevertheless bring heavy rains, strong winds and a storm surge.
To see the Bureau’s latest forecast, click here: https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/specialised-forecasts-and-observations/tropical-cyclone
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