Preparing for storm season

A thunderstorm is a weather event associated with rain, thunder and lightning. They're typically short-lived, lasting between 30 minutes to an hour¹. A severe thunderstorm is more intense, producing strong winds, heavy rain, thunder, lighting, and in some cases, hail and even tornadoes. Severe thunderstorms can last for many hours and span across many regions. In Australia, thunderstorms can happen at any time of year, but they're especially common between September and March.

Thunderstorms occur when hot, humid air rises quickly to cooler parts of the atmosphere²,³. Cute, puffy cumulus clouds swell into large, dark cumulonimbus clouds. The moving air builds and precipitation (raindrops) start to fall. Air continues to cycle up and down, and it's in this stage you might hear thunder and see lighting. Eventually, when the downdrafts become stronger than the updrafts, the storm weakens and the clouds begin to dissipate.

3 things are needed to create thunderstorms: 
 

1. Moisture: hot humid air carrying lots of water vapour.
   
   
2. Lift: an upward push or 'lifting' mechanism that moves the air upwards. It can be a cold front, a sea breeze moving inland, or an orographic lift, which is when an air mass moves towards a mountain range and rises above it.
   
   
3. Unstable atmosphere: moist air becomes more buoyant as it rises into cooler parts of the atmosphere. The moisture condenses and forms the storm cloud.

Advice: the yellow triangle lets you know that an incident has started, but there's no immediate danger.

Watch and act: the orange triangle lets you know that there's a heightened threat level. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action to stay safe.

Emergency warning: the red triangle is the highest level of warning, altering you to danger and imploring you to act immediately.

In the lead up to storm season, consider whether it's worth setting aside time to get your home ready for extreme weather. This might include:

• Checking your roof for any broken or missing tiles, and arranging any necessary repairs.

• Trimming tree branches around your home that could cause damage if they were to break and fall.

• Cleaning dirt and debris from your gutters, downpipes and drains to help prevent blockages.

If a storm is forecast for the week ahead, or perhaps within a few hours' time, you might consider:
 

• Securing or putting away outdoor furniture that’s likely to be damaged or blown away.

• Moving your car under a carport or garage, or away from trees and powerlines.

• Bringing pets indoors and keeping them away from windows. 

Many home insurance policies offer cover for storm damage and other extreme weather, but it's important to check your specific policy to ensure you know exactly what you're covered for. Review any building, contents and landlord insurance policies you have and any exclusions or limits that might apply. If you're unsure of anything, contact your insurer.