Natural Hazards

Information concerning current flood and weather warnings for the Northern Territory are available on the Bureau Of Meteorology web site. Additional general weather information can be found in our weather section.

Cyclones

During the tropical summer season (November to March) there is the possibility of a cyclone forming in the Top End.

Cyclones produce extreme winds which may exceed 200 km/h. These winds can cause extensive property damage and cause airborne debris to become potentially lethal missiles. Cyclones also produce flood rains which can cause further damage and death by drowning.

A Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre is located in Darwin and is staffed by very experienced specialist scientists and technical support staff. They have access to sophisticated radar, satellite and computer systems as well as the Bureau's full observing network, including a special network of automatic weather stations, many of which are located on offshore islands and reefs. This enables efficient detection and fast assessment of cyclone threats followed by speedy transmission of warning messages to threatened areas.

Cyclone warnings are issued over the radio and TV when it is considered that a cyclone may pose a threat to life or property within 48 hours. Upon hearing a cyclone warning:

• Listen constantly to radio/TV for future warnings and advice.
• Batten down house, secure doors, board or tapes windows. Paper pasted on windows with glue made from flour or starch is also effective. Store loose articles and valuables in plastic bags.
• Lock up pets, fill water containers, fuel car and place under cover. Then remain indoors.
• Prepare an evacuation kit (carry in small bags). This consists of your emergency kit plus warm clothing, personal essentials and valuables.
  

Should the cyclone threat escalate following the initial warning, a series of steps need to be taken.

1. On warning of an evacuation:

• Lock up dwelling, switch off electricity, gas, water, etc. Take your evacuation kit.
• Wear strong clothing to protect against cuts from debris. Wear strong footwear for protection.
• Heed warnings - they are not given lightly.
  

2. When the cyclone strikes:

• Keep calm - heed warnings and advice.
• Stay inside, shelter in the strongest part of the house - perhaps bathroom or passageway.
• If house starts to break up, protect yourself with mattress, rugs or blankets. Anchor yourself to a strong fixture or get under a strong table or bed.
• Beware of the clam "eye". If a calm period is due to the eye, violent winds will soon resume.
  

After the cyclone has passed:

• Don't go outside until advised officially that the cyclone has passed.
• Listen to your radio.
• If you had to evacuate, don't go home until advised. Use route recommended and stay calm.
• Don't make unnecessary telephone calls.
• Beware of fallen power lines, damaged buildings and trees and flooded water courses.
• Don't go sight-seeing.
  

For more information, please refer to the Surviving Cyclones section of the Bureau Of Meteorology web site.

Bushfires

Australia, being a country of extremes, can be in flood in one area while burning up in another. Daily checks with local authorities where such natural phenomena are possible, will warn you against travelling into such areas at critical times.

You can help prevent fires by thoroughly checking your exhaust system thoroughly when travelling in dry, grassy country. Dry grass gets trapped around the exhaust shielding and can be a lethal combination with the hot temperature of the vehicle.

Bushfires travel fast, so if you are caught in the path of an approaching fire, find the clearest possible area, with few trees and little or short grass. Turn on hazard lights to warn other vehicles of your presence and sit it out in the comparative safety of your vehicle while the worst passes.

Prepare by closing all windows of the vehicle; then wrap yourself in a woollen blanket and lie on the floor, or as low down as you can get. It is extremely unlikely that the car will catch fire; petrol in the tank will not burn unless it is somehow exposed to a direct flame - and unless it is a grass fire - most of the fire will pass quickly overhead, as it is usually driven by strong winds. When the worst has passed, check that no part of the car is alight. Use the fire extinguisher, which has been recommended as a necessity. Then drive away from the fire front to clear ground.

The NT Bushfire Counci web site contains more information about bushfires and bushfire management in the Northern Territory.

Flood

Flash flooding is only likely to be a problem if you are driving or parked in a step-sided valley or creek and it has been raining heavily upstream or close to where you are. Usually you will get some warning. You may hear of storms or rain upstream or there may be heavy rain in the immediate vicinity, in which case don't drive in creek beds or narrow valleys until the rain and its potential flood has gone. Never camp in dry creek beds.

Prepare a plan of action for use in an emergency and discuss with passengers - especially children - what to do.

If you are caught in a flash flood there is a good chance you will lose some possessions - and perhaps the car. However, your life is more important than both, so get out of the car and onto high ground and worry about the car and possessions later. If the car is washed away, it is not likely to travel far before being stopped by a tree or rock or stranded in shallow water.

If you cannot keep your feet after leaving the car, swim or float with fast-running water, not against it, and look out for a projecting embankment or overhanging limb to help you climb to higher ground.

When the flood has passed you may be able to retrieve the vehicle, dry it out on higher ground and continue. This is more likely to be possible if you have a manually operated (Trifor) winch and not a battery operated unit, as your battery may no longer work, or at least not with enough power for a winch. Any power remaining in the battery would be probably best conserved to operate the high-frequency radio you are carrying to call help.