From: Steve (Primus) (Avatar) 30/10/2001 5:40:38 Subject: re: STEVE'S WEATHER FAQ post id: 476398 Can they then move closer to the equator than that after forming ? No. The steering winds are away from the equator. Most TCs form around 10 degrees north and south. The three requirements for a TC are the sea surface temperature, the latitude and a pre-existing low pressure system. This is the monsoon trough. It is currently still just north of Australia which is why TC "Alistair" was able to form. Tropical Cyclone movement is, however, erratic. Individual storms can move in any direction for short periods, including north towards the equator but they never get closer to the equator than 5 degrees. Places on and close to the equator do not get TCs and TCs cannot cross the equator.