El Nino to bring more tropical cyclones this season

  • 14/10/2015
El Nino to bring more tropical cyclones this season

New Zealand and the Southwest Pacific are being warned to expect more severe tropical cyclones this season, all thanks to El Nino.

The season runs from November through to April 2016, and over the past 30 years the average number of Southwest Pacific tropical cyclones has been 12.4.

Of those that developed into Category 1 or stronger during that 30-year period, there were 10.4 in the Southwest Pacific basin.

But this year meteorologists are warning that number will increase, and they're expecting 11 to 13 Category 1 or stronger storms, including at least six severe Category 3 or higher cyclones.

They warn that at least four of those storms could also reach Category 4 strength, bringing hurricane-force winds of more than 150km/h.

Pacific Island countries lying close to the International Date Line are expected to bear the brunt of the cyclones.

NIWA scientists say New Zealand experiences at least one ex-tropical cyclone passing within 550km of the country each year on average, but this year's risk is slightly higher than normal.

International forecasters believe this year's El Nino event will be one of the strongest in 60 years, and all Pacific nations should be prepared.

3 News