Australia had a record number of tropical cyclones this season

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 15:37

Australia saw 12 tropical cyclones develop during the 2024/25 tropical cyclone season, the most for almost 20 years.

Australia saw 12 tropical cyclones develop during the 2024/25 tropical cyclone season, marking the most in a season in almost 20 years.

The nation's west also saw its most tropical cyclones for 41 years, with eleven forming according to Weatherzone.

Eight of those reached category 3.

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"From mid-January to late February, there was a run where all six of the tropical cyclones that formed during that period became severe," Weatherzone said.

"The high number of severe tropical cyclones is likely correlated with the record-high ocean temperatures during the season."

There was only one in the east, Tropical Cyclone Alfred, but despite weakening, it caused havoc.

Riverside flooding at Lismore. Locals in a boat have a look at the flood levels caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Homes were damaged, roads were flooded and beaches were smashed in south-west Queensland and northern NSW last month.

Multiple people had be rescued and thousands were left without power for days.

Meanwhile, the northern region including the Northern Territory did not record a single tropical cyclone for first time since the 2008/09 season.

Weatherzone said Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia was the strongest tropical cyclone of the season, reaching category 5, packing sustained winds of 205km/h.

It hit the Pilbara in Western Australia,

However, despite the huge number of cyclones this season, only two tropical cyclones made landfall over the Australian mainland at cyclone strength: Zelia and Dianne.

Alfred and Errol weakened just before landfall.

However those four systems cost insurers more than $1.55 billion making it the most expensive season since 2017/18 when the devastating Tropical Cyclone Debbie hit Queensland.