Knowing a Cyclone Watch from a Warning

Knowing when to be prepared and when to take cover during a tropical cyclone is essential for personal and property safety, here’s a quick guide on the official warning system:

Tropical Cyclone Outlook

Issued every day during the tropical cyclone season, includes a three-day forecast of the probability of cyclone development in the seas around Australia.

Tropical Cyclone Watch

Issued if a cyclone is expected to affect coastal communities within 48 hours, but not expected within 24 hours.

This is the time to make sure your home is prepared and that your cyclone kit contains water and supplies for 72 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Warning

Issued if a cyclone is affecting or is expected to affect coastal communities within 24 hours. This is the time to follow your cyclone plan, know where you will take shelter, have emergency phone numbers on hand and a plan in place for your furry friends, noting that pets cannot be taken into most cyclone shelters.

Remember: For TIO’s Home and Landlord Insurance a 72-hour exclusion period may apply after you first take out or increase the cover on your policy for loss or damage caused by storm surge, cyclone, flood or flood water combined with run-off and/or rainwater. For Comprehensive Car Insurance the exclusion period applies for cyclone, flood and bushfire.

For more information:
Bureau of Meteorology
SecureNT
AusAlert | NEMA

This article has been prepared by TIO. Information contained in this article is accurate as at 28 July 2026 and may be subject to change. It is a summary of key concepts and not meant to represent the complete picture on any given matter. It is not meant to be legal advice. The information should be read in conjunction with the relevant legislation and regulations. In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.

Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither TIO, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.