What is Tropical Cyclone Sean, a Category 3 Storm Emerging in Australia? Causes, Impact, and Path Explained

Tropical Cyclone Sean is a major weather event currently affecting Western Australia. As of January 2025, it has strengthened to a Category 3 system, which is expected to weaken further as it moves southwest toward cooler coastal waters.

The intensity of the tropical cyclone reached Category 4, but as of the latest update, the intensity has been reduced to Category 3. It is expected to weaken further and drop below tropical cyclone intensity by January 22, 2025.

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In addition, significant rainfall was recorded, with Karratha in particular experiencing its largest daily rainfall on record of 274 mm in 24 hours. This resulted in flooding in some areas.

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Causes of tropical cyclones

Tropical cyclones, including Sean, typically arise due to several key atmospheric and oceanic conditions:

• Warm sea surface temperatures: Cyclones form over warm tropical oceans with sea surface temperatures in excess of 27°C, providing the necessary heat and moisture for storm development.
• Coriolis force: This force is vital to the rotation of cyclones and helps organize storm systems.
• Low Pressure Area: A pre-existing weak low pressure area or cyclonic circulation is critical in initiating cyclone formation.
• Vertical wind shear: Minimal changes in vertical wind speed contribute to cyclone stability and growth.

The formation of Tropical Cyclone Sean

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Tropical Cyclone Sean began as a tropical disturbance and intensified over warm waters.

It formed on January 20, 2025 as a Category 1 cyclone and was quickly upgraded to Category 4 due to favorable conditions. The structure of the cyclone separator includes:

• Eye and eyewall: The eye of a storm is characterized by calm weather and low pressure, while the eyewall has the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall.
• Updrafts and Moisture: Rising moist air forms clouds that contribute to the development of storms. The system relies on a steady stream of warm air rising from the ocean’s surface.

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Impact of Tropical Cyclone Sean

The cyclone had a significant impact on the areas it affected:

• Heavy rainfall: Karratha reported record daily rainfall of 274 mm, causing localized flooding.
• Flood risk: Residents along the Pilbara Coast have issued an emergency alert as the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warns that flash flooding is possible due to heavy rainfall in the area.
• Infrastructure Impact: Flooding affected roads and homes, but overall damage was minimal as Sean did not make landfall directly on the coast.

Impact on the community

Flooding and damage: The cyclone caused severe damage, particularly in towns such as Karratha and Exmouth. Emergency services have responded to a number of flood-related incidents, including water rescues and power outages affecting hundreds of residents.

Infrastructure challenges: Flooding has affected roads and some routes have been closed due to flooding. The North West Coast Highway remains open but caution is advised.

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security measures

Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and prepare for the unpredictable potential impact of the hurricane. Emergency services are actively monitoring the situation and providing assistance if required.

Current updates (as of January 21, 2025)

Current Status: As of January 21, Shawn has been downgraded to a Category 3 system and is expected to weaken further as it moves southwest toward cooler coastal waters. By January 22, its intensity may drop below that of a tropical cyclone.

Trend: The cyclone is about 400 kilometers away from the offshore sea and currently does not pose a direct threat to the mainland.

Future Outlook: No further cyclones are expected to occur in the Australian region in the near future, suggesting weather conditions may stabilize after Sean’s passage.

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Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
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