If there is one that that I’ve learned to do since living on the road in a caravan, its how to read the weather forecast.
There have been multiple occasions where we have been caught in some extreme weather events like mini cyclones, extreme winds, a watch and wait on the track of a tropical cyclone, and a cancelled trip due to bushfire.
This week we have been busy under a Blue Cyclone Alert in the North West of Western Australia. We have been ensuring that everything is tied down and secure while waiting to see what Tropical Cyclone Riley was going to do.
Some of the amazing sky produced by Tropical Cyclone Riley in North West WA
As it happened, apart from some amazing sky shows, a few storms and a bit of wind, TC Riley was a fizzer who hightailed it out to the ocean.
This was the best scenario, but becoming complacent in an extreme weather event is not an option.
This was a lesson learned during an unexpected storm in Kalgoorlie, which was by far, the most frightening weather event we have experienced. This was a storm that lasted only as much as 20 minutes, but it bought down trees in the thousands, lifted cabins off their foundations in the caravan park we were in, took roofs off many buildings and caused extreme damage across the Western Australian Goldfields town.
At the time it hit, I was alone in the van with my girls then aged 5 and 3 years. I was so fearful of the van tipping over, or getting a tree through the roof I hid the girls under the table while I tried to secure things outside.
Then as quick as it hit, it was over, and everyone emerged, a little shell shocked, to survey the carnage around us.
Some of the thousands of trees bought down in Kalgoorlie
This experience taught me to respect these types of weather events.
It taught me that while its kind of exciting to be in an area where a cyclone has been forecast, to make sure we are ready for it, and that means securing everything, not just making sure you’ve bought the wine.
It’s taught me that if there is a bushfire burning where we were planning to be travelling, change the plans.
If it’s at all possible to avoid a situation then do that, and if not make sure you are aware of your emergency procedures, and if they are present, follow the instructions of emergency services.
Mother nature is wonderful, she is powerful, and she is unforgiving. When travelling please ensure you are well prepared for the environment that you are travelling into.
Always check local information sites and the Bureau of Meterology warnings http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings/index.shtml
Have fun, and stay safe.
Kel xx