This Saturday morning, Tropical Cyclone Alfred is set to make landfall over south-east Queensland and northern NSW as a category 2 cyclone. Lives are on alert, schools and beaches are closed, and tens of thousands of people are already without power. It’s a wild situation – and one that’s likely left many scratching their heads, asking, “What does a category 2 storm really mean anyway?”
Read on to learn what cyclone categories really tell us, why you should never underestimate any category, and how they stack up.
How Cyclone Categories Work
Cyclone categories, measured by the Bureau of Meteorology, rank storms based on maximum average wind speeds (not gusts). They range from category 1 to category 5, with each level having a greater potential for damage.
But here’s the catch – categories only tell part of the story. They give no indication of potential storm surges, flooding, or heavy rainfall that can accompany a cyclone. Even a lower-category cyclone can still bring significant destruction.
Oh, and if you’ve heard the terms “hurricane” or “typhoon”? Don’t stress – they’re simply other names for the same weather phenomenon.
A Breakdown of Cyclone Categories
Here’s your at-a-glance guide to what the numbers mean and how they impact your environment.
Category 1 – Fierce, But Manageable
Think of it as a warning shot from Mother Nature.
- Wind Speed: 63-88 km/h (Maximum gusts up to 125 km/h)
- What to Expect:
- Minimal damage to homes
- Some damage to crops, trees, and caravans
- Boats may drag their moorings
Tip: It’s still dangerous! Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Category 2 – Destructive & Dangerous
This is where things really start to heat up. Tropical Cyclone Alfred fits into this category.
- Wind Speed: 89-117 km/h (Maximum gusts up to 164 km/h)
- What to Expect:
- Greater damage to houses – broken windows and damaged roofs
- Entire trees uprooted, road signs toppled
- Widespread power outages
Reality check: These winds can cause serious havoc – don’t underestimate their potential danger.
Category 3 – “Severe” Doesn’t Even Cover It
From here on, the word severe is added for a reason. Winds pack a punch, and power outages become the norm.
- Wind Speed: 118-159 km/h (Maximum gusts up to 224 km/h)
- What to Expect:
- Roofs peeled off buildings
- Powerful structural damage to homes
- Countless trees, crops, and caravans destroyed
Fun fact (or not-so-fun): Category 3 and above means anything that isn’t strapped down – including trampolines, bins, and outdoor furniture – becomes deadly debris.
Category 4 – Catastrophic Chaos
Say hello to catastrophic damage. Cyclone Tracy, the infamous storm that devastated Darwin in 1974, was a category 4 cyclone.
- Wind Speed: 160-199 km/h (Maximum gusts up to 279 km/h)
- What to Expect:
- Significant structural damage across urban areas
- Trees snapped like twigs
- Household items and vehicles become flying missiles
- Major power failures
Pro Tip: Lock in your emergency exit routes waaay before one of these storms arrives.
Category 5 – Nature’s Fury Unleashed
If a storm reaches this level, buckle up. These are the most destructive natural events on the planet. Exhibit A? Cyclone Yasi, which devastated northern Queensland in 2011.
- Wind Speed: 200+ km/h (Maximum gusts above 280+ km/h)
- What to Expect:
- Near total destruction of buildings
- Uprooted trees and flattened vegetation
- Entire areas plunged into isolation
Serious note – these cyclones are life-threatening. Evacuate immediately if advised.
Why All Cyclones Deserve Respect
Here’s the key takeaway – no matter the category, cyclones are unpredictable beasts. A category 1 storm can still bring severe flooding. A category 2 can uproot trees you thought were immovable. And every single one has the potential to disrupt lives, uproot families, and cause heartache.
What can you do? Take every cyclone warning seriously. That means staying informed, making sure you have emergency supplies, and listening to local authorities.
