Australia's first tropical cyclone of the season has formed
Australia's first tropical cyclone of the season has formed, and is currently swirling off the country's west coast.
The Bureau of Meterology (BoM) confirmed the system had formed yesterday
"Tropical Cyclone Darian has formed west of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands," it said.
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Tropical Cyclone Darian has become the first tropical cyclone of the 2022-23 season. Weatherzone
The storm is not expected to make landfall on the mainland.
However, gale force winds up to 100 kilometres per hour may develop over the Indian Ocean island chain.
"Communities on Home and West Island should listen for the next advice," the BoM said.
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The BoM has warned Australia could see more tropical cyclones than average as we're in a La Niña event. Weatherzone
It comes two months after BoM announced the names that would be used for the 2022-2023 tropical cyclone season.
The season's second tropical cyclone will be called Ellie, to be followed by Freddy, Gabrielle, Herman, Ilsa, Jasper, Kirrily, Lincoln and Megan.
The BoM warns more tropical cyclones than average are expected this season as Australia is in the grips of a La Niña event.
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The damage from Darwin's Cyclone Tracy in 1974 was estimated to be $200 million. Fairfax Media archives
Tropical cyclones are one of the costliest natural disasters that impact the country.
There have also been an estimated 206 cyclone-related deaths between 1970 and 2017.
The season typically runs from the start of Novembers to the end of April.
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