Cyclones and thunderstorms

Tropical cyclones are intense low-pressure weather systems that form over warm tropical waters and are characterised by strong winds, heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Cyclones can follow erratic paths and continue for days or weeks before dissipating over land or cooler oceans.

A thunderstorm is a localised weather event characterised by lightning and thunder, usually accompanied by heavy rainfall, gusty winds and sometimes hail. In Australia, thunderstorms are more common in the warmer months.

This page is about specific cyclone and thunderstorm risks. Read more about duties and managing risks related to extreme weather.

Hazards and risks

Cyclones can produce several hazards, such as:

• extreme, gale-force winds over 90km/hr, which can drive dangerous surf, coastal erosion and repeated loads on structures
• heavy rainfall, which can cause riverine flooding and flash flooding
• storm surges, which can inundate large expanses of low-lying areas, cause a rise in sea level and prevent estuaries discharging inland flood waters, increasing flash flooding in coastal areas.

Thunderstorms can develop rapidly, often leading to hazardous weather conditions such as flash flooding, severe winds and bushfire ignition.

Tropical cyclones and thunderstorms can have a range of impacts, including:

• injury or loss of life
• disruption to water, food and fuel supplies
• destruction of buildings
• energy system damage – above-ground distribution networks, transmission networks
• communication disruption – telephone (landline, mobile), radio, mail
• transport system damage – road or rail damage and damage to airport and seaport infrastructure
• disruption to sanitation and drinking water
• isolation of remote communities due to flooding
• mental health stress from the displacement of communities.

Safety measures

Before cyclone season, in October, the Bureau of Meteorology issues an Australian Tropical Cyclone Seasonal Outlook, predicting of the level of tropical cyclone activity over summer. PCBUs should monitor the Cyclone Seasonal Outlook to assess which workplaces and locations will be affected.

Further, PCBUs should follow advice from emergency services and government health agencies. They should support workers who may be experiencing physical or psychological health effects from working during or after cyclone season.

Elimination

Eliminating exposure to hazardous cyclone weather or thunderstorm conditions is the most effective control measure. For example, during cyclone warning or severe thunderstorm alert, PCBUs can:

• cancel or reschedule work-related travel
• delay outdoor tasks such as inspections, maintenance or construction
• avoid scheduling high-risk activities (such as working at heights and operating machinery outdoors) during periods of forecasted electrical storms or gale-force winds.

Substitution

Substitute hazardous work tasks or practices with safer alternatives to reduce exposure. For example:

• substitute manual lifting during storm preparation with mechanical lifting equipment such as cranes or forklifts, reducing time spent outdoors
• use remote-controlled or automated equipment rather than manual labour for tasks like debris clearing or sandbag placement during cyclone preparation
• swap outdoor meetings or briefings with virtual check-ins or radio communications to avoid exposure during thunderstorm activity.

Isolation

Physically separate people from the source of harm through distance or barriers. For example:

• establish exclusion zones around the areas prone to flooding or wind damage during a cyclone
• use temporary shelters or reinforced structures to isolate workers from flying debris or lightning risk during thunderstorms
• relocate critical operations to indoor or underground facilities when extreme weather is forecast.

State and territory-specific guidance

• SafeWork NSW – Strong and gusty winds in construction
• WorkSafe SA – Don’t get blown away in high winds
• WorkSafe WA – Cyclone: emergency preparation, planning and preparedness
• WorkSafe WA – Is your site ready for cyclone season?
• WorkSafe WA – Clean up after cyclones, storms or floods
• Government of Western Australia – What’s your cyclone game plan?
• NT Government – Cyclones and disasters
• WorkSafe QLD – Storms and floods
• WorkSafe Victoria – Prepare worksites for severe winds
• TAS State Emergency Service – Storm and flood ready
• WorkSafe ACT – Storms, floods and bushfires