New Cyclone Warning System Launched in WA

In a significant update aimed at aligning with national standards, Western Australia has overhauled its emergency warning system, particularly for cyclones, replacing the traditional blue, yellow, and red alerts with a new structure under the Australian Warning System (AWS). This new system, which came into effect ahead of the 2024/25 cyclone season, categorizes warnings into three levels: advice, watch and act, and emergency. Each level will come with specific action statements to guide public response.
The changes aim to create consistency across all natural disaster warnings, such as bushfires, floods, and storms, making it easier for the public to understand and act upon. The previous color-coded system has been replaced with clear directives like “prepare now” and “shelter indoors immediately.” Additionally, the “all clear” alert has been removed; instead, warnings will scale back to “cyclone advice” to indicate ongoing risks post-cyclone.
This revamp is expected to provide greater clarity and ensure that residents are better prepared and informed, ultimately enhancing public safety. An awareness campaign across various media platforms has been launched to educate the community about these changes.