Severe Storms

Severe storms are more common than any other natural hazard and can occur anywhere in Australia. Each year, on average, severe storms are responsible for more damage than tropical cyclones, earthquakes, floods or bushfires. Unfortunately, thunderstorms also kill people - between 5 and 10 deaths are caused by lightning strikes each year. A severe thunderstorm is defined by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) as one which produces:
- Hail, diameter of 2 cm or more ($2 coin size); or
- Wind gusts of 90 km/h or greater; or
- Flash floods; or
- Tornadoes, or any combination of these.