For grey nomads sick of the endless wet weather in New South Wales and elsewhere , the latest Bureau of Meteorology outlook might be enough to convince them that proverbial grass is not always greener on the other side of the country.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is now predicting there will be an above-average number of cyclones in WA in the upcoming wet season … and any travellers who will be in the north are being told to be prepared.
The coastline between Broome and Exmouth is the most cyclone-prone region in the country.
WA’s Emergency Services Minister, Stephen Dawson, said the warnings should be taken very seriously by grey nomads and others.
There could be more cyclones than normal in WA this year. PIC: Pixabay
“For those who don’t live in the North-West or Mid-West Gascoyne, make sure you understand the risks before you travel, particularly if you are going to be in a caravan,” he said. “We are more resilient against cyclones when we all work together.”
On average, WA experiences five tropical cyclones each season. According to BOM, this season there is a 70% chance of an above-average number of cyclones with the likelihood of two coastal impacts. There is also a significant risk of at least one severe tropical cyclone crossing the coast during the season.
And it’s not just the north. Areas further south can also experience significant flooding as tropical cyclones de-escalate and move down the coast.
The Bureau’s forecast is tied to warmer ocean temperatures caused by a negative Indian Ocean Dipole and an active La Nina. And, as many on the east coast can already testify to, the La Nina weather pattern is not to be underestimated.
There has been deluge after deluge in southern states in recent weeks and months, and many NSW communities are currently facing up to the prospect of yet more flooding.
Roads are still being closed, stranded motorists are still being rescued, and van parks are still being forced to close. In Gundagai, for example, low-lying areas have just been inundated, including the Gundagai River Park Caravan Park.
And more rain could be in the way!
DON’T MISS OUTWith three great prize-laden competitions currently under way, and the list of discounts on offer growing quickly, there has never been a better time to become a Grey Nomad Member.
Prizes on offer include a Cobb kitchen in a box (value: $399.95), a Diamond caravan mat (value: $299.95), and an Auspit spit roast kit (value: $285). Click here to see more details.
Click here to see the full range of benefits on offer to members and to find how to join.
Cannot help but feel for those poor beggars on the east coast . Have never experienced a cyclone in the van and never want to. We plan our travels like most folk, with the seasons as the biggest single factor. If the predictions are correct we may have the rain bearing depressions that come from the weakened cyclones. We are due one at least in the Eastern W.A Goldfields.
We haven’t experienced a cyclone in the caravan but when I was young and on holiday in the USA in a caravan with the family, we had some scary moments when a tornado passed near by. Winds were amazing through the tall dog wood trees in the park. Lightning blew off the power board in reception and jumped through the caravan and struck dad who was fixing something outside!