Storm

Storms or thunderstorms can be unpredictable and can occur with little warning, which is why it is important to understand your risk and have a plan in place to help reduce its effects on you, your family, home and business.

Storms can comprise of heavy rainfall and flash flooding, damaging winds, lightning strikes and hail. Storms can last many hours and travel long distances, potentially causing considerable damage to homes and vehicles, and causing loss of power, isolation and flash flooding.

Severe storms or thunderstorms, as classified by the Bureau of Meteorology, are storms that are likely to produce:

• large hail measuring more than 2cm in diameter,
• wind speeds of more than 90 km an hour, and
• heavy rainfall conducive to flash flooding.

A severe storm warning will only be issued by the Bureau for storms that are likely to produce all three elements.

Find out more by visiting the Bureau of Meteorology - Severe Weather Knowledge Centre. 

Everyone can be at risk of storms no matter where you live. Severe thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year, although they are less common during the winter months in the south of Australia.

Most storms strike between September and March when the supply of solar energy is greatest, but severe winter storms linked to cold fronts are not uncommon in the south-west of Western Australia and south-east South Australia.

During a storm:

• Supervise children closely
• Check that family and neighbours are aware of warnings
• Manage pet and livestock
• Secure outdoor items including furniture and play equipment
• Be prepared in case of power outages
• Beware of damaged trees and power lines
• Take care when driving
• Move your car undercover away from trees
• Seek shelter preferably indoors and never under trees
• Avoid using the telephone during a thunder storm