Tropical Cyclones are low pressure systems that form over warm tropical waters a nd have gale force

winds (sustained winds of 63 km/h or greater and gusts in exc ess of 90 km/h) near the centre. Technically they are defined as a non-frontal l ow pressure system of synoptic scale developing over warm waters having organise d convection and a maximum mean wind speed of 34 knots or greater extending more than half-way around near the centre and persisting for at least six hours. The circular eye or centre of a tropical cyclone is an area characterised by lig ht winds and often by clear skies. Eye diameters are typically 40 km but can ran ge from under 10 km to over 100 km. The eye is surrounded by a dense ring of clo ud about 16 km high known as the eye wall which marks the belt of strongest wind s and heaviest rainfall. Cyclone danger and impacts Tropical Cyclones are dangerous because they produce destructive winds, heavy ra infall with flooding and damaging storm surges that can cause inundation of lowlying coastal areas. Cyclones have wind gusts in excess of 90 km/h around their centres and, in the m ost severe cyclones, gusts can exceed 280 km/h. These very destructive winds can cause extensive property damage and turn airborne debris into potentially letha l missiles. It is important to remember that, during the passage of the cyclone centre or eye, there will be a temporary lull in the wind, but that this will so on be replaced by destructive winds from another direction. Heavy rainfall associated with the passage of a tropical cyclone can produce ext ensive flooding. This can cause further damage and death by drowning. The heavy rain can persist as the cyclone moves inland and decays, hence flooding due to a decayed cyclone can occur a long way from the tropical coast as the remains of a cyclone move into central and southern parts of the continent. The destructive winds accompanying tropical cyclones also produce phenomenal sea s, which are dangerous both for vessels out at sea and those moored in harbours. These seas can also cause serious erosion of foreshores