Know Your Risk
Learn about what to expect during storms and the actions you can take to stay safe, reduce the impact, and help you rebuild for the future.
Storms can become extremely dangerous, causing destructive winds, heavy rainfall, damaging hail and flash flooding. In NSW, Storm Season falls between September and April, but major storms can happen at any time of the year.
Know your warnings
The NSW SES will issue warnings for severe weather using the Australian Warning System, including Advice, Watch and Act, and Emergency Warnings.
Download the Hazards Near Me App and set your watch zones for floods and severe weather to get the NSW SES warnings.
The Bureau of Meteorology will issue Severe Weather and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings.
You may not always receive an official warning. Look out for the natural signs of floods, storms and tsunami. The natural signs of storms may include:
- Gathering of heavy clouds
- Darkening skies
- Increasing winds
- Thunder
- Lightning
- Heavy rain
During a storm
Be aware
- The safest place during a storm is inside away from windows. If you are caught outside the safest place is under secure shelter, away from trees, powerlines, creeks and low-lying areas.
- During storms, coastal erosion can occur rapidly, causing damage and potential danger to buildings, infrastructure and people. Inform your local council if there are dangerous erosion scarps.
Make safe decisions
- Stay out of the water and away from areas exposed to damaging surf.
- Stay where you are if it is safe to do so. Only travel if it is essential.
- Steer clear of possible flash flood areas when severe weather is forecast and reconsider any travel.
- If there is a flash flooded road, turn around, find a safer way or wait until floods ease.
- Check the Live Traffic website for information on road closures.
Stay safe
- If driving, find secure shelter away from trees, powerlines, creeks, gutters, causeways, and low-lying areas.
- Steer clear of creeks, storm drains and avoid fallen powerlines.
- Help your local emergency responders by staying at your safe location. Going to see areas impacted will make response and recovery efforts more difficult for your local emergency services.
- If you experience damage to your property, contact your insurer as soon as possible to lodge a claim.
Follow advice
- Keep listening to media outlets and NSW SES socials for information, updates and advice.
- An emergency alert may be sent to your phone (text or voice message) with information about the current emergency.
- NSW SES may not be able to get to you immediately. You may need to rely on yourself or family, friends or neighbours for a period of time.
Look out for each other
We can all work together towards being ready.
- If it is safe to do so, check to see if your neighbours need help.
- Support someone who may require further assistance.
- Contacting your friends, neighbours and family when flooding is about to happen will help:
- ensure that everybody understands your emergency plan;
- people to assist each other where necessary;
- people to share and confirm warnings and information about the flood situation;
- provide you (and them) with support and reassurance during a stressful situation.
Get ready
- Bring pets indoors and shelter from severe weather. Plan for your pets to go with you if you need to evacuate.
- Secure loose outdoor items and furniture or equipment like a trampoline. These can become a hazard during high winds or if swept away during a flood.
- Shelter vehicles under cover. If not, park your car away from trees and cover them with a tarpaulin or blankets if hail is predicted. Make sure you have a full tank of fuel in case you need (and are able) to evacuate.
When to call the NSW SES
For emergency help in floods, storms and tsunamis call NSW SES on 132 500.
For all life-threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000).
Visit the Contact page for more information.
