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Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Tropical Cyclone Category

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The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) categorizes tropical cyclones in its region using a five-category system similar to other global scales but specifically tailored for the Australian context. Categories range from 1 (weakest) to 5 (most severe), based on sustained wind speeds and potential for damage. This classification system helps the public and emergency services understand cyclone risk and respond appropriately.

BoM’s scale measures 10-minute sustained wind speeds rather than the 1-minute sustained speeds used by the U.S. National Hurricane Center, which can lead to differences in category assignments for similarly intense storms. Category 5 cyclones in Australia, with winds exceeding 200 km/h, can cause catastrophic damage to buildings, vegetation, and infrastructure. Lower-category storms may still pose threats due to flooding, storm surges, and prolonged rainfall.

BoM plays a central role in public safety and disaster management across Australia and its territories. It issues forecasts, warnings, and preparedness resources for cyclones, floods, heatwaves, and bushfires. Its classification system feeds into global meteorological networks and supports research in climate change, insurance risk modeling, and emergency response planning. The cyclone categories are also used in parametric insurance contracts and catastrophe bond structures in the Asia-Pacific region.

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