Australia Cyclone Tracker & Live Forecast Track Maps
Live cyclone tracker for Australian waters — real-time positions, intensity, BOM warnings and 72-hour forecast tracks across the Coral, Timor and Arafura Seas.
Get cyclone alerts direct from BOM
Push, email & SMS warnings the moment a cyclone threatens your location.
Loading cyclone map...
Alternative Cyclone Tracking Resources
Compare cyclone data across multiple tracking platforms for comprehensive storm monitoring and forecast verification.
Google DeepMind WeatherLab (requires Google sign-in)
AI-powered weather visualization tool from Google DeepMind featuring GenCast ensemble forecasts and tropical cyclone tracking
Windy Hurricane Tracker
Interactive global hurricane and cyclone tracker with real-time weather visualization and forecast models
Zoom Earth Cyclone Tracking
Live satellite imagery and storm tracking for tropical cyclones worldwide with high-resolution visuals
Bureau of Meteorology Cyclone Forecasts
Official Australian tropical cyclone forecasts, warnings, and specialized observations from BOM
Cyclocane Hurricane Tracker
Global cyclone and hurricane tracking with historical data and multiple forecast model overlays
Hurricane Zone Tracking Maps
Comprehensive hurricane and tropical cyclone tracking with detailed forecast discussions and model analysis
Real-Time Tropical Cyclone Tracking for Australia
Australian Cyclone Season Coverage
Australia's tropical cyclone season runs from November to April, with the most intense activity typically occurring between January and March. Our comprehensive cyclone tracker provides real-time monitoring of all tropical cyclone activity across Australian waters, including:
- Coral Sea Region – Queensland coastal waters and offshore areas
- Timor Sea Region – Northern Territory and northwest Western Australia
- Arafura Sea Region – Top End tropical waters
- Gulf of Carpentaria – Northern Queensland and NT coastline
Cyclone Tracking Resources
Use the alternative cyclone trackers below to monitor tropical cyclone activity across Australian waters. These resources provide:
- Current cyclone positions with latitude and longitude coordinates
- Forecast track maps showing predicted paths for 24, 48, and 72+ hours ahead
- Track history showing the observed path the cyclone has taken
- Intensity classifications from Tropical Low to Category 5
- Wind speed data and maximum sustained wind measurements
- Central pressure readings and storm system characteristics
- Movement trajectories including direction and speed of travel
Understanding Tropical Cyclone Categories
Australian Cyclone Category Scale
Tropical cyclones in Australia are classified into five categories based on maximum sustained wind speeds near the cyclone center. The category system helps communities understand the potential destructive power and required preparedness level:
- Category 1 Tropical Cyclone (63-88 km/h)
Minimal damage to property. Some damage to crops and trees. Small craft may drag moorings. Minor flooding possible in low-lying coastal areas. - Category 2 Tropical Cyclone (89-117 km/h)
Minor house damage. Significant damage to trees, signs, and crops. Heavy damage to small craft moorings. Risk of power outages. - Category 3 Tropical Cyclone (118-159 km/h)
Roof and structural damage. Power failures likely. Dangerous airborne debris. Mobile homes destroyed. Flooding of low-lying escape routes. - Category 4 Tropical Cyclone (160-199 km/h)
Significant roofing and structural damage. Widespread power failures. Dangerous airborne debris. Extensive damage to caravans. Major coastal flooding. - Category 5 Tropical Cyclone (200+ km/h)
Extremely dangerous with widespread destruction. Most buildings severely damaged or destroyed. Complete power failure. Catastrophic damage to communities. Extreme coastal inundation.
How to Use the Cyclone Tracker Map
The interactive tracker above displays multiple data layers to help you monitor cyclone threats:
- Current Position Markers – Red icons show the latest confirmed cyclone positions with updated coordinates
- Forecast Track Line – The solid line indicates the most likely path the cyclone will follow
- Cone of Uncertainty – The shaded area shows where the cyclone could potentially track (wider cone = less certainty)
- Time Stamps – Look for 24hr, 48hr, and 72hr markers along the forecast track
- Intensity Changes – Color changes along the track show predicted strengthening or weakening
- Coastal Threat Areas – Regions within the cone near the coast face potential cyclone impacts
Cyclone Preparedness and Safety
Understanding Cyclone Warning Levels
Monitor cyclone tracker maps regularly during the season and understand the three official warning levels issued by Australian authorities:
- Cyclone Watch – Cyclone development possible within 24-48 hours. Time to prepare your property and review emergency plans.
- Cyclone Warning – Cyclone expected to impact within 24 hours. Complete all preparations and shelter in place or evacuate if instructed.
- Blue Alert – Cyclone has passed but strong winds persist. Remain sheltered until the all-clear is given by authorities.
Before the Cyclone
When tropical cyclones threaten Australian communities, proper preparation can save lives. Essential preparation steps include:
- Secure your property – Bring outdoor furniture, trampolines, and loose items inside or tie them down securely
- Trim trees and vegetation – Remove dead branches and vegetation that could become dangerous projectiles
- Check emergency supplies – Stock up on drinking water (4 litres per person per day for 3-5 days), non-perishable food, batteries, torches, first aid kit, essential medications, and battery-powered radio
- Create an evacuation plan – Know your evacuation route, identify safe shelter locations, and pack an emergency kit for your vehicle
- Charge devices – Fully charge mobile phones, power banks, and any battery-operated equipment
- Fill vehicles with fuel – Petrol stations may be closed during and after the cyclone
- Protect important documents – Store insurance papers, identification, and valuables in waterproof containers
During the Cyclone
When the cyclone arrives, your safety depends on making smart decisions:
- Stay indoors in the strongest part of your house, away from windows and doors
- Never shelter in a caravan or tent – these structures cannot withstand cyclone-force winds
- If instructed to evacuate, do so immediately – don't wait until conditions deteriorate
- Beware the "eye" – The calm center of the cyclone is deceiving. Destructive winds will resume from the opposite direction once the eye passes
- Stay away from floodwaters – Never drive or walk through floodwater. It only takes 15cm of fast-flowing water to knock you off your feet
- Listen to emergency broadcasts – Keep your battery-powered radio tuned to local emergency services for updates
After the Cyclone
The danger doesn't end when the winds stop. Post-cyclone hazards include:
- Damaged buildings and infrastructure – Check for structural damage before re-entering buildings
- Fallen power lines – Always assume downed power lines are live. Stay at least 8 meters away and report them immediately
- Contaminated water – Don't drink tap water until authorities confirm it's safe
- Damaged roads and debris – Drive only when necessary and watch for debris, washed-out roads, and damaged bridges
- Wildlife displacement – Be cautious of snakes, spiders, and other wildlife that may have been displaced by flooding
Real-Time Cyclone Positions
View current locations of all active tropical cyclones across Australian waters including the Coral Sea, Timor Sea, and Arafura Sea regions.
Forecast Track Maps
Access detailed forecast track maps showing predicted cyclone paths for the next 72+ hours with cone of uncertainty visualizations.
Intensity Classifications
Monitor cyclone intensity ratings from Category 1 to Category 5, including wind speed data, central pressure readings, and movement speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
Data Source
Data provided by Bureau of Meteorology