September is the beginning of the high-risk weather season when the frequency of storms, strong winds and heavy rain typically increases.
NSW SES is advising that El Niño events can contribute to greater weather variability, when conditions align, bringing the risk of dangerous storms, damaging winds, intense rainfall, large hail and flash flooding.
Last storm season, NSW SES volunteers responded to more than 23,000 incidents across the state, including 18,905 storm-related emergencies. Of these, about 7,000 were for fallen trees and more than 6,500 were for leaking and damaged roofs.
During a simulation today the SES demonstrated the effects strong winds can have on everyday items including trampolines and outdoor furniture, which when left unsecured can become lethal projectiles.
The SES have been busy preparing, last financial year $17.5 million was invested to deliver 166 fleet assets including 63 vehicles, 30 boats and 73 trailers. This is on top of an investment in new communications equipment including new command vehicles, internet connectivity trailers and connectivity kits to improve communications during disasters.
The NSW SES is reminding communities that storms can happen quickly and without much warning and is encouraging residents to prepare their homes, review emergency plans and understand their local risks.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib:
"We're urging communities to stay alert and take practical steps now. An El Nino event can mean greater weather variability, including more intense storms and the chance of flash flooding.
"Last year was one of the busiest years on record for the NSW SES, with widespread storms, a cyclone and damaging winds leading to power outages and significant damage across the state.
"Preparation is one of the most effective ways people can protect their homes and their families. Now is the time to act, not after warnings are issued.
"Please download the Hazards Near Me app, set a watch zone and stay across weather alerts and warnings."
Quotes attributable to NSW SES Commissioner, Mike Wassing AFSM:
"Incident numbers show how quickly storms can affect communities across NSW, and what we are seeing is a pattern of more complex and changing weather.
"Even in years where drier conditions may be expected, we can see severe storms with damaging and destructive winds, large hail, intense rainfall and localised flooding.
"That's why preparation is critical, because the risks can change quickly.
"The Hazards Near Me app, Hazard Watch and the NSW SES website provide real-time updates and tailored alerts. These tools are essential as conditions become more dynamic."
Quotes attributable to Bureau of Meteorology Acting Manager Hazard Preparedness and Response, Max Gonzalez:
"The Bureau's long-range forecast shows a dry signal, meaning a tendency for below-average rainfall at the start of spring, particularly west of the Great Dividing Range.
"East of the Divide, we see a more variable seasonal signal for spring, due to warmer than average sea surface temperatures in the Tasman Sea. This means individual coastal troughs and thunderstorms can interrupt this dry period, with potential hazards of heavy rainfall, damaging winds, large hail and flash flooding during these outbreaks.
"For the longer-term picture moving into summer, we will need to monitor the short-range signals and update how climate influences may impact rainfall, fire weather and thunderstorm outbreaks.
"Stay up to date by using the Bureau's website or BOM Weather app where you can set notifications and locations and be prepared."
Storm safety advice from NSW SES:
- Secure loose items around your home and yard
- Clean gutters, downpipes and drains
- Trim trees and overhanging branche
- Move vehicles away from trees and flood-prone areas
- Prepare a home emergency plan and emergency kit
- Download the Hazards Near Me NSW app and set your watch zones
