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If you have ever watched the sky shift dramatically on a humid afternoon, you will recognise the feeling. The air becomes heavy, the light takes on an unusual colour, and suddenly the wind starts picking up. Eastern Australia has experienced plenty of days like that recently.
A significant storm system has moved across several states, fuelled by low-pressure troughs colliding with unseasonably warm, humid air. This has brought damaging winds, intense lightning and heavy rainfall across large parts of the east coast. Here is a closer look at what has been happening, why these conditions keep developing, and what I believe is worth doing before the next storm rolls in.
A Storm Line That Stretched Across New South Wales
What stood out most about this weather event was its sheer scale. A band of severe thunderstorms stretched almost 1,500 kilometres across New South Wales. That is approximately the distance from Sydney to Brisbane, and even further. It is difficult to imagine one weather system covering such an enormous area, but that is exactly what the radar revealed.
Along its path, the storm brought destructive wind gusts, striking shelf clouds, frequent lightning and torrential rain. Greater Sydney, the Central Coast and the Illawarra were among the affected areas, as were the inland slopes and tablelands.
What Is a Shelf Cloud?
You have probably come across photographs of these clouds. A shelf cloud is a long, low, wedge-shaped formation that develops along the leading edge of a storm. It takes shape when cold air flowing out of the storm forces the warm, humid air ahead of it upwards.
They can look spectacular, which is why so many people reach for their cameras when one appears. However, I would see one as a warning sign rather than a photography opportunity. A shelf cloud can signal that powerful, sudden winds are just minutes away. If you spot one approaching, head indoors and bring anything loose in from the balcony.
Queensland Is Dealing With Warnings Too
Further north, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has also issued active Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for parts of Southeast Queensland. These include the Darling Downs, Granite Belt, Lockyer Valley and Scenic Rim.
The geography of these regions makes the warnings particularly important. With steep terrain, creeks and low-lying paddocks, intense rainfall can quickly trigger flash flooding. The Lockyer Valley, in particular, has a well-documented history of sudden, destructive floods. Residents have good reason to take these warnings seriously.
Further inland, minor flood warnings have also affected areas along the Barcoo River. Although minor flooding might not sound particularly concerning, it can still leave roads impassable, isolate properties and disrupt livestock operations. In remote communities, even a relatively small rise in water levels can cause several days of disruption.
Why the Weather Feels More Intense Lately
There is no single explanation for these conditions, and I would be cautious about anyone offering one straightforward answer. Several contributing factors, however, are worth understanding.
Warm Oceans Add Fuel
Ocean temperatures around western, southern and eastern Australia have been unusually high. Warmer oceans influence the atmosphere in two important ways: they heat the air above the water and release additional moisture into it.
As temperatures rise, the atmosphere can hold more water vapour. When a trough moves through and forces this air upwards, there is more moisture available to produce rainfall. This helps explain why some storms can dump enormous amounts of water within a short period, even when the system does not appear particularly large on a weather map.
Troughs Do the Lifting
A trough is essentially an elongated region of relatively low atmospheric pressure. It provides the trigger for storm development. As it moves through warm, humid and unstable air, that air is pushed upwards, creating favourable conditions for thunderstorms to form rapidly.
Combine these two factors and you get the conditions we have been witnessing: abundant moisture, atmospheric instability and a trigger capable of setting everything in motion.
The Spring Outlook
This may extend beyond a single week of unsettled weather. With sea surface temperatures remaining elevated around much of Australia, unstable conditions could persist for some time. That increases the potential for further intense rainfall events throughout spring.
It certainly does not mean every day will bring storms. However, the overall risk is higher than normal, making preparation a sensible approach rather than waiting until severe weather arrives.
What I Would Do Before the Next Storm
Most people start thinking about storm preparation only after the sky has turned dark and threatening. By that stage, everything becomes a rush. Getting a few basic jobs out of the way beforehand can make a considerable difference.
Around Your Home
- Clear gutters and downpipes to prevent water from backing up
- Cut back branches hanging over your roof or power lines
- Secure or put away outdoor furniture, trampolines, bins and other lightweight objects that could become airborne
- Inspect your roof for loose tiles or damaged sheeting
- Make sure you know the location of your water, electricity and gas shutoffs
I have seen how quickly a clogged gutter can turn a heavy downpour into water leaking through the ceiling. It might not be the most exciting maintenance job, but it is arguably one of the most worthwhile things you can do before a storm.
Your Emergency Kit
Keep your emergency supplies straightforward and store them somewhere accessible, even in complete darkness. Include a torch, spare batteries, a battery-operated radio, a phone power bank, a first aid kit, drinking water and any essential medications. If you have pets, remember to pack food for them as well.
Your Phone and Your Plan
Check that emergency alerts are enabled on your phone, and familiarise yourself with the official sources for weather updates. The BoM website at bom.gov.au provides current warnings, radar information and forecasts.
For practical household preparation advice, Queensland’s Get Ready Queensland website offers useful checklists. These are relevant regardless of which Australian state you call home.
It is also worth having a quick conversation with everyone in your household about what you would do if you needed to evacuate at short notice. Where would you head? Who would you contact? It might feel slightly uncomfortable the first time you discuss it, but having a plan can make a stressful situation much easier to manage.
What to Do While a Storm Is Happening
If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for your area, do not dismiss it. There are several sensible precautions worth following:
- Remain indoors and stay away from windows
- Avoid corded phones and electrical equipment connected to power points during lightning activity
- Move vehicles under cover where possible, keeping them clear of trees
- Stay well away from floodwater, whether walking, driving or riding
That final point deserves particular attention. Driving through floodwater remains one of the most common reasons people find themselves in serious danger during these weather events. You cannot reliably judge the depth of the water or know whether the road beneath it has been washed away.
If a road is flooded, do not attempt to cross it. Arriving late is a much better outcome than needing to be rescued.
If you require assistance during a storm or flood, contact the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500. For life-threatening emergencies, dial Triple Zero (000).
After the Storm Passes
The risks do not necessarily disappear once the rain has stopped. Fallen power lines, damaged trees and flooded roads can remain dangerous long after the storm has moved on. Always assume a fallen power line is live and stay well clear.
Before beginning any clean-up, photograph the damage and contact your insurer as soon as possible. It is also worth checking on neighbours, particularly older residents and anyone living alone. Sometimes, a simple knock on the door can make a bigger difference than you realise.
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