Australia experienced an unprecedented tropical cyclone season in 2024/25, with 12 cyclones forming, the highest count in nearly two decades. The western regions of the country faced their most significant influx of tropical cyclones in 41 years, leading to the formation of eleven storms, as reported by Weatherzone. Notably, eight of these cyclones reached category 3 strength.
Between mid-January and late February, all six cyclones that originated in this period escalated to severe levels. Experts suggest that the record-high ocean temperatures during the season likely influenced the rise in severe storms.
The aftermath of the cyclones brought considerable destruction, with properties damaged, roads inundated, and beaches severely battered in south-west Queensland and northern New South Wales. Emergency services conducted numerous rescues, and thousands of residents were left without power for extended periods. Strikingly, the Northern Territory did not record a single tropical cyclone for the first time since the 2008/09 season.
Among the cyclones, Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia was noted as the strongest, achieving category 5 status with sustained winds of up to 205km/h. It impacted the Pilbara region in Western Australia. Interestingly, despite the season’s high cyclone activity, only Zelia and Dianne made landfall on the Australian mainland at cyclone strength, while Cyclones Alfred and Errol weakened just before reaching land.
The effects were felt far beyond wind damage; significant ecological impacts were reported, including mass fish deaths along the Richmond River in Ballina, attributed to ‘blackwater’ runoff from the cyclones.
In total, the cyclone season inflicted losses exceeding $1.55 billion on insurers, marking it the costliest season since the catastrophic Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017/18. While the extreme weather events highlighted the vulnerabilities of various regions, they also underscored the pressing issues of climate variability, with experts continuing to monitor ocean temperatures and related storm patterns closely.