Cyclone Watch and Act 4C.1
Students to explore tropical cyclone Engage Cyclone Watch and Act weather, warning systems and tropical cyclone risk to communities.
In the event of a tropical cyclone approaching the Western Australian coast, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services issues colour coded alerts – and , to provide warnings and advice to communities in the cyclone’s path.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) is an Australian government organisation that provides forecasts, warnings, weather observations and advice to the Australian community. Australia's area of responsibility for cyclone services is divided between three Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs): Perth, Darwin and Brisbane. A tropical cyclone watch is issued for coastal communities when the onset of gales is expected within 48 hours, but not within 24 hours. A tropical cyclone warning is issued for coastal communities when the onset of gales is expected within 24 hours, or are already occurring.
These centres use weather stations, reports from observers in ships, aircraft, offshore oilrigs and on- land observers, satellite and radar imagery to detect cyclones and to confirm their location, intensity and to track their progress. Once a cyclone is within 250 kilometres of Western Australia it is tracked by radars located along the coastline. Its track can be monitored by one of BoM’s weather watch radars at Wyndham, Broome, Port Hedland, Karratha, Dampier, Learmonth or Carnarvon.
BoM will issue a Tropical Cyclone Advice and a Forecast Track Map to indicate where the cyclone is, where it is forecast to go, how intense it is likely to be and which communities are under threat. A tropical cyclone can change direction therefore, a much larger region than the actual area affected is warned so communities will be prepared.
Objective: Students explore how tracking, predicting, and warning communities about tropical cyclone can lesson risks to communities.
Cyclone Watch and Act - Warning Systems • Students visit the DFES website here to identify the agencies who advise communities when and how to prepare for cyclones. (Cyclone Watch and Act 4C.2) • Introduce students to the BoM website’s tropical cyclone warning services http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/. As a class discuss the difference between a tropical cyclone watch and a tropical cyclone warning. (Cyclone Watch and Act 4C.2) • Students use the DFES website (www.dfes.wa.gov.au) for information on the cyclone warning system and find the Alerts & Warnings page to check for any current tropical cyclone alerts or warnings. Use the BoM website (www.bom.gov.au) to (i) record any current active cyclones and, (ii) a cyclone which has moved through Western Australia. Students record relevant information. (Cyclone Watch and Act 4C.3) • Students access the BoM website: ‘Forecasting the weather’ to plot a cyclone track. Discuss how people and communities can benefit from weather forecasting. How helpful is a Forecast Track Map for communities? (Cyclone Watch and Act 4C.4) • Watch the news videos of Tropical Cyclone Lua (Tropical Cyclone News 3) or Tropical Cyclone Rusty (Tropical Cyclone News 4) and use the information to write a radio Community Service Announcement. Include DFES alerts, weather warnings and cyclone information to advise the community how to prepare before the arrival of the cyclone. • Home activity: Survey one or two adults in your household, record responses to information about weather advice, BoM cyclone advice and DFES cyclone alerts. As a class, compare and discuss the completed surveys. (Cyclone Watch and Act 4C.5)
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Cyclone Watch and Act 4C.2
Cyclone Warning Systems – Use the web links below to answer these questions about Cyclone Warning Systems.
DFES: http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/safetyinformation/warningsystems/Pages/default.aspx
BoM: http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/
Cyclone Warning Systems How does DFES know if a damaging gales and winds are expected?
What is the name of the BoM map which shows a tropical cyclone’s path?
What are the FOUR stages of alerts DFES provides when a cyclone warning is issued? 1. 2.
3. 4.
Which two BoM warning services provide information when a cyclone or damaging gales and winds are expected between 48 and 24 hours? ______
Why would a radio broadcast the Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS)?
What text message might you receive as an Emergency Alert if a tropical cyclone was expected in a few hours?
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Cyclone Watch and Act 4C.3
Cyclone Alerts and Warnings – Use the BoM website (www.bom.gov.au) to complete the following questions: What do you think the acronym BoM stands for? ______
______Use the DFES website www.dfes.wa.gov.au/safetyinformation/warningsystems and the BoM website to find out if there are any current cyclone alerts or warnings.
If there are no current alerts, use the excerpt from Tropical Cyclone Rusty in the Cyclone Alerts and Warnings Teacher Notes on Pages 7-9.
CURRENT CYCLONE ALERTS AND WARNINGS
DFES
BoM
Why is it important to follow the alerts and warnings?
What could happen if the alerts were not followed?
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Cyclone Watch and Act 4C.4
Forecasting the Weather – Use the BoM website to track Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred: http://www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/about/warnings/sample/map.shtml
Tropical Cyclone Alfred Forecast Track Map
As Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred approached the coast of Western Australia, BoM issued a tropical cyclone watch. Look at the Forecast Track Map and create a timeline.
Timeline Information:
Date Time Category Number Towns affected by gales/winds
When would the DFES colour coded alerts be used to warn the community?
When would the DFES colour coded alerts be used to warn the community?
How helpful is a Forecast Track Map for communities?
How helpful is a Forecast Track Map for communities?
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Cyclone Watch and Act 4C.5
Home Survey – What information do I need to know about tropical cyclone weather warnings and alerts? Use the questions below to prepare your own answer sheet. You will find the correct responses on the DFES website.
Ask one or two adults in your family to take the Home Survey to find out what they know about tropical cyclone weather advice, weather warnings and community alerts. Ask them the four questions and record yes or no for each correct or incorrect answers.
Add the ticks and crosses in each column to find out how aware (or unaware) each adult is about tropical cyclone weather advice and warnings.
Tropical Cyclone Alerts and Warnings Home Survey
Use the Question and Answer Sheet Adult One Adult Two
Questions Yes No Yes No
What State Government agency provides information about tropical cyclones? Tropical cyclone weather warnings are also available on the BoM website. What does BoM mean? What is the difference between a cyclone watch and a cyclone warning? DFES issues four colour coded Community Alerts after a cyclone warning is issued – what does each alert mean? TOTAL
What do the results of your survey show? What do the results of your survey show?
Compare your results as a class. Are most adults aware of DFES warnings and alerts?
As a class, think of ways you could inform the adults about tropical cyclone weather warnings
and alerts.
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Teacher Notes 4C
Answers:
Cyclone Warning Systems 4C.2
How does DFES know if a damaging gales and winds are expected? BoM will issue cyclone watch and cyclone warning advice, DFES then provides community alerts to keep people informed and safe.
What is the name of the BoM map which shows a tropical cyclone’s path?
Tropical cyclone forecast track map
What are the FOUR stages of alerts DFES provides when a cyclone warning is issued?
1. YELLOW ALERT 2. BLUE ALERT
3. RED ALERT Cyclone Watchers4. ALLAnswers CLEAR Which two BoM warning services provide information when a cyclone or damaging gales and winds are expected between 48 and 24 hours?
48 hours – Cyclone Watch 24 hours – Cyclone Warning
The Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS) is a community alert issued if there is a threat of extreme danger.
An Emergency Alert will display a caller identification 0444 444 444. The warning will provide important information about the emergency in your location and what your family should do to stay safe.
Cyclone Alerts and Warnings 4C.3 BoM – Bureau of Meteorology
Forecasting the Weather 4C.4
Community alerts will be issued by DFES when a cyclone is coming and when damaging winds or gales are likely to affect communities within 24 hours. Forecast Track Maps are very helpful for communities as they show the current movement of a cyclone and where it is likely to head in the future. The map includes information about the gale force, storm force and the possible size of hurricane force winds and where they are likely to go. If the cyclone is approaching the coast, cyclone Watch and Warning zones will be highlighted. Forecast Track Maps are updated every six hours and more frequently if a cyclone Watch or Warning is current.
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Teacher Notes 4C
Cyclone Alerts and Warnings
This is an EXCERPT of an actual DFES Alert that was issued on 27 February 2013 as Tropical Cyclone Rusty approached the West Australian coastline
ATTENTION ABC: This is an emergency broadcast from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. It is essential that the words are not changed.
(ATTENTION RADIO and TV serving the area including Marble Bar and Nullagine Standard Emergency Warning Signal to be sounded for five – 10 seconds before broadcasting the following warning.) Time of issue: 9.30pm Date of issue: 27 February 2013
Red Alert for Pardoo to Nullagine including Marble Bar in the Pilbara
COMMUNITY ALERT LEVEL: A RED ALERT is current for people in or near the coastal and inland communities of Pardoo to
Nullagine, including Marble Bar in the Pilbara.
There is a threat to lives and homes. You are in danger and need to act immediately.
It is important that residents understand that very dangerous conditions have commenced for inland communities and are continuing across the region.
Communities in the North West will remain on Red Alert until it is safe to declare an All Clear.
People need to continue to stay indoors and shelter either in a welfare centre or in the strongest, safest part of a building.
WHAT TO DO: DFES's State Emergency Service (SES) advises: • You should be in the strongest, safest part of your house or at your closest welfare centre. • Keep your emergency kit with you. • Stay away from doors and windows, and keep them closed.
• Stay indoors until the ALL CLEAR is given by authorities. RELOCATION POINTS: The Department for Child Protection advises that a number of centres have been opened. These are: Andrew McLaughlin Community Centre in Keesing Street in Port Hedland • Wanangkura Recreation Centre in Hamilton Road South Hedland
• Marble Bar Recreation Centre, McLeod Street • Marble Bar Primary School • Newman Recreation Centre • Nullagine Primary School • Only essential items can be taken into welfare centres – alcohol and pets, except guide and assistance dogs, are prohibited.
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Teacher Notes 4C
Cyclone Alerts and Warnings
EXCERPT from DFES website: A YELLOW ALERT is current for people in or near the coastal and inland communities of Wallal and Pardoo, extending inland to Marble Bar and Nullagine.
There is a threat to lives and homes as a cyclone is approaching the area. You need to take action and get ready to shelter from a cyclone. WHAT TO DO: DFES's State Emergency Service (SES) advises: • Fasten all cyclone screens, secure boats, caravans, trailers, garden sheds, outdoor furniture, rainwater tanks and LPG bottles. • Motor vehicles under cover. • Ensure pets and animals are in a safe area. • Pack a relocation kits to be taken with your emergency kit. • Be aware that shops may now be closing.
A BLUE ALERT is current for people in or near the inland communities of Nullagine to Newman.
Although there is no immediate danger you need to start preparing for dangerous weather and keep up to date.
WHAT TO DO: DFES's State Emergency Service (SES) advises: • You need to get ready for dangerous weather by preparing your home inside and out • Secure or remove loose material from around your home. • Ensure your emergency kit is complete and check your family knows what to do.
An ALL CLEAR advice is current for people in or near the coastal communities of Port Hedland and South Hedland.
Storm surge is no longer a risk for the Port Hedland area now that the cyclone has crossed the coast.
WHAT TO DO: DFES's State Emergency Service (SES) advises: • The threat has passed but continue to take care to avoid the dangers caused by damage. • Be aware of fallen powerlines and trees, broken water and sewage pipes, loose roof sheeting and other material. CYCLONE DETAILS: As at 8pm the Bureau of Meteorology advises category 3 Severe Tropical Cyclone (TC) Rusty, is estimated to be 125 kilometres east of Port Hedland and 110 kilometres north of Marble Bar.
ROAD CLOSURES: • Great Northern Highway from Auski Roadhouse to Port Hedland, and Port Hedland to Roebuck Roadhouse • North West Coastal Highway from Roebourne to Great Northern Highway turnoff • Marble Bar Road from Newman to Great Northern Highway intersection north of Marble Bar.
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Teacher Notes 4C
Cyclone Alerts and Warnings
EXCERPT from DFES website:
SCHOOL CLOSURES: The following schools are closed until further notice: Hedland Senior High School, Port Hedland Primary School, Port Hedland School of the Air, Cassia Primary School, Cassia Education Support Centre, Baler Primary School, South Hedland Primary School, Pilbara Behaviour Centre, Strelley Community School – Strelley Campus, Strelley Community School – Warralong Campus and St Cecilia's Primary School.
Three other schools have also been closed until further notice due to the risk of flooding. These schools are: • Yandeyarra Remote Community School, Marble Bar Primary School and Nullagine Primary School • The Department of Education advises that the following school bus services are cancelled for the rest of the week, due to weather conditions associated with Severe TC Rusty: • School bus service between Paraburdoo and Tom Price Senior High School • School bus service from Wakathuni Aboriginal Community to Tom Price Primary School.
HORIZON POWER WARNINGS: • Stay aware from fallen powerlines. • Do not use any electrical appliances that have been damaged or submerged in water. • Warn children not to play or swim in floodwaters as there may be unseen live and dangerous electrical wiring or fallen powerlines which may be hidden by debris in the water.
If you require urgent medical attention call 000.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS:
• For SES assistance call 132 500 • In a life threatening situation call 000 • For the latest weather information call 1300 659 210 or visit www.bom.gov.au • For information about road conditions and closures contact local Police or Main Roads WA on 138 138. • If you are concerned about the location of family and friends in the area call the Red Cross State Enquiry Line on 1800 015 337.
KEEP UP TO DATE: Call 1300 657 209, visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au or listen to news bulletins.
The next update will be issued when the situation changes.
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Teacher Notes 4C
Answers: Home Survey 4C.5
Tropical Cyclone Alerts and Warnings Home Survey
Questions Answers
What State Government agency provides DFES – Department of Fire and information on their website about tropical Emergency Services cyclones? Tropical cyclone weather warnings are Bureau of Meteorology available on the BoM website. What does BoM mean? What is the difference between a cyclone Cyclone watch is used when damaging watch and a cyclone warning? winds or gales are expected to affect communities within 48 hours. Cyclone warning is issued when damaging winds or gales are likely to affect communities within 24 hours.
DFES issues four colour coded Community DFES issues Community Alerts to keep Alerts after a cyclone warning is issued – people informed and safe. The alert level what does each alert mean? changes to as the risk becomes greater and advises what you need to do before, during and after a cyclone. Blue Alert: Get ready for a cyclone Yellow Alert: Take action and get ready to shelter from a cyclone Red Alert: Take Shelter from the cyclone. All Clear: the cyclone danger has passed but you must take care when outside.
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