Cairns cyclone warning review

There were widespread complaints around Cairns following cyclone Tasha that inadequate warnings were given: much of this is semantics: there were consistent warnings of a strong tropical low with a chance of a cyclone, but the system was not named as a cyclone until it reached 100km/h wind speeds at 2am.

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A proposed system is a color coded system similar to that used in the Western Australia which would also cover other emergencies like bushvires.  Far Nort Queensland town Weipa has had a similar system in place for decades.

Much of the reason for concern is probably related to the extreme Queensland floods which followed Cyclone Tasha. 

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts defended the weather bureau saying it had correctly predicted the tropical low’s movements, but said there was room for improvement.

"What was different was that the low developed into a category 1 cyclone, crossed the coast and weakened back to a tropical low within five hours," he said.

"The Government recognises the need to provide appropriate warnings."

"Once this major event, which continues to be felt across much of Queensland is over, we will conduct a debrief to determine any proposed improvements or changes to our warning arrangements."

Queensland director of the weather bureau, Jim Davidson, said there had been little difference between the forecast and the severe warning's wind speed and rain estimates.

"It was just that at 2am we put a name on it," he said.

"(But) maybe we need to educate people more on low-grade tropical cyclones and monsoonal lows."

Cr Gilmore said the Christmas Day arrival of cyclone Tasha had exposed some weaknesses in the existing warning system.

Surprise, it's a cyclone: There are calls for an overhaul of how emergency weather warnings are issued in the wake of cyclone Tasha sneaking up on the Far Northern coast on Christmas Day.