If you plan to travel to the Pacific this summer, be aware that your trip may be affected by tropical cyclones in the region.
The Pacific cyclone season usually occurs between November and March, with the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) predicting an average of 10 tropical cyclones will form this season.
“This means there is every possibility that your holiday in the Pacific, particularly during the December and January school holidays, may be affected by weather events,” read a notice published Tuesday on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Affairs’ Smartraveller website. of Commerce.
It follows the BoM’s forecast for the tropical cyclone season, released last month.
Steve Turton is an adjunct professor of environmental science at Central Queensland University and has studied tropical cyclones for decades.
As the holiday season approaches, he said the warning should be read as a call to Australians traveling during cyclone season to remain vigilant.
“Recently, the bureau said that this is going to be a fairly active tropical cyclone system… the area they are referring to is quite popular for Australian travellers, especially families, as it is the school holidays in December and January, in particular,” he said.
“I think they’re telling people to be careful, especially if they’re going somewhere quite remote, or low-lying areas where there’s a risk of storm surges.”
What can we expect from this year’s Pacific cyclone season?
Each year in October, the BoM releases its tropical cyclone forecast for the upcoming season in Australia and the South Pacific.
The BoM says an average of six tropical cyclones are expected in the eastern Pacific region and four in the western Pacific region, which is close to average.
“The likelihood of severe (strong) tropical cyclones is higher than average, due to warmer-than-average ocean temperatures expected for the South Pacific region in the coming months,” the forecast says.
The risk of storm surge from tropical cyclones is also expected to continue to increase due to rising sea levels.
The outlook highlights that tropical cyclones can affect Pacific islands and coastal regions even when they remain well offshore.
Tropical lows that do not intensify into cyclones can still bring damaging winds, rain, and flooding.
Which regions of the Pacific could be affected?
According to Turton, the most popular tourist destinations in the South Pacific that tend to be affected by tropical cyclones include the Solomon Islands – particularly the southernmost islands – Vanuatu and Fiji.
“New Caledonia is also another area affected by tropical cyclones and characterized by some tourism,” he said. “As you go further east, you’re getting closer and closer to the Cook Islands and places like Tonga and Samoa.”
Turton pointed out that some of these nations are more vulnerable than others – and preparation for cyclone season can also vary depending on a country’s level of infrastructure development.
“Cyclones have affected Australians previously traveling in the Pacific, and most of the time we hear about people getting away unscathed,” he said.
How should travelers prepare?
The Smartraveller alert encourages those abroad during cyclone season to be aware of local safety procedures. This can include following local media and weather forecasts, reading Smartraveller recommendations for your destination, and subscribing to travel tips and bulletins.
Travelers should also consider sharing their accommodation and contact details with loved ones and checking that their travel insurance covers claims caused by a cyclone.
If you get caught in a cyclone, Smartraveller offers the following advice:
- Track local news for weather updates.
- Always follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.
- Identify your local shelter.
- If you find yourself on an island, follow all advice to return to the mainland before the boats stop running.
- Bring bottled water, non-perishable food, a basic first aid kit, a battery-operated radio and a flashlight.
- Get cash from an ATM.
- Always carry your travel documents (passport, photo ID) with you or keep them in a safe, waterproof place. If you take them with you, make sure they are in a waterproof bag or case.
- Reach out to friends and family with regular updates on your situation.