Brisbane Storm Guide: What To Do Before, During, After A Storm

Brisbane Storm Overview 

Most severe weather in Brisbane happens in the hot and humid summer months, from December to February. However, Brisbane is in "storm season" for most of the year. Officially, Brisbane's storm season lasts from September to March. Heavy rain and floods are less likely in the winter when it's cooler.

The summer months in Brisbane are generally hard to plan for. The weather can change quickly. One day, it might be clear and sunny with a temperature of 35 degrees, and the next, it might be dark and cloudy with the threat of rain, hail, strong winds, and more.

Even though these storms are pretty to look at and can help relieve the terrible humidity in the city, they are very dangerous for our houses. Not being ready can make it more likely that our homes will be damaged and, more importantly, put our lives and the lives of our loved ones in real danger.

Types of Storms

There are various types of storms, each with distinct characteristics:

Past Brisbane Storms

There are some notable Brisbane storms that you may hear about:

1985s: On January 18, 1985, a typical hot and humid summer day in Brisbane, they turned into the worst thunderstorm the city had ever seen. Around 2:30 p.m., storm clouds started to form. But the storm's full force would only be felt around 5 p.m. when many people were home from work. Up to 185 km/h of wind was reported, and hailstones worsened the conditions. 

2008s: In the almost 25 years since the storm in 1985, one of the worst storms to hit Brisbane was November 16, 2008. Two hundred thousand homes lost power because of weather conditions like those during a storm. A lot of golf-ball-sized hail hit the city and damaged homes, cars, and solid and straight trees.

2011s: The storms in 2011 are still one of the most recent significant storms to hit Brisbane. The actual floods began in North Queensland in December 2010. Large amounts of rain across the state made it possible for flood waters to keep moving south with a lot of force. Finally, the flooding reached Brisbane on January 11, 2011, first affecting low-lying places.

Brisbane Storm Warnings

It is crucial to stay informed about approaching storms - enrol in notifications for regional weather alerts and warnings to obtain the latest information promptly. Give careful consideration to official statements issued by meteorological and emergency services.

Familiarise yourself with the different warning levels and react accordingly when prompted. An esteemed meteorological application for your mobile device can deliver up-to-the-minute information, enabling you to anticipate and adapt to changing conditions.

The BOM issues various alerts, such as severe thunderstorms, cyclones, and flood warnings. Understanding the differences between these warnings is crucial since each has unique advice and preventive steps.

A severe thunderstorm warning, for example, may include information on expected hail, heavy rain, and lightning. A cyclone warning refers to severe winds and heavy rains over an extended period.

Brisbane Important Numbers & Websites

Here are some valuable contacts to have in case of a severe storm in Brisbane, including phones, websites, social media profiles, and radio stations.

(Data Source: Brisbane City Council)

How to Prepare for A Storm in Brisbane?

Storms cause substantial atmospheric disturbances and can have long-term repercussions on places. Storms can have long-term effects on towns, including strong winds and heavy rain. Understanding the aftermath of storms is crucial for complete preparation and efficient reaction.

Residents in storm-prone areas must go beyond immediate storm preparations and consider long-term solutions to avoid post-storm damage.

This includes fortifying structures to withstand prolonged lousy weather, devising contingency plans for more extended power outages, and ensuring a consistent supply of essential supplies.

Acknowledging and preparing for the long-term effects of storms in Brisbane allows communities to reduce risks and build resilience to atmospheric disturbances.

Step 1: Predict The Brisbane Storms

Predicting when the Brisbane storm will start takes multiple steps:

• Monitor Weather Forecasts: Check for updates from credible meteorological services, such as the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), which gives detailed forecasts for Brisbaneand the surrounding areas.

• Observe Atmospheric Conditions: Monitor atmospheric conditions for rapid changes in temperature, humidity, and wind patterns, which might indicate storm development.

• Look for Warning Signs: Darkening skies, increased wind, and temperature dips might all suggest an impending storm.

• Use Technology: Use technology to access real-time weather data and forecasts for your location.

Step 2: Prepare An Emergency Kit

An emergency kit is an essential part of preparing for a storm. It should have enough water for three days (about three gallons per person), food that doesn't go bad, a first-aid kit, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for news, a flashlight with extra batteries, and any needed medications. Inspect and refresh the emergency kit to verify its components' continued validity and functionality.  

It is vital to keep your important papers safe. Keep copies of your IDs, insurance policies, bank account details, and other essential documents in a container that won't leak. After a storm, this process can make things a lot less stressful and confusing. The following things are in the Brisbane storm emergency kit:

Jackery Solar Generators provide a dependable and environmentally responsible solution for powering critical electronics during storms or emergencies. Their portability, solar charging capabilities, and diverse power outputs can dramatically improve your ability to stay connected, safe, and prepared in severe weather.

For additional details on what to put in an emergency kit, visit the Queensland Government website. Remember to include your emergency plans, critical documents, and necessary prescriptions or medications.

Step 3: Create A Preparedness Plan

Making a good plan for how to get ready for a storm in Brisbane is the first thing you should do. First, look around you and see if there are any dangers.

Think about how your land is laid out, the presence of the big trees, and any loose items that could fly off in high winds. Make a plan for how to talk to family members or friends so that everyone knows the same things about where to meet, how to evacuate, and who to call in case of an emergency.

Learn about the emergency services and evacuation plans that are special to Brisbane. As part of getting ready, keep important papers like your ID and insurance papers in a container that won't leak. Making a well-thought-out plan for getting ready for a storm makes you safer and helps your community be more resilient during storms.

It is advisable to contemplate your destination, communication plan, and any unique situations or needs of your family. 

Remember that storms and other crises can occur at any time of day, so consider where household members might be (at work, school, or on their commute), how you'll contact them, and where you might get together. Consider who you can gain more support from and how you will handle these situations. Ensure that all understand the plan.

Download Storm Emergency Plan PDF >>

Step 4: Secure Your Home

Strengthening your property is a proactive step that helps mitigate storm damage. Examine your roof, windows, and doors for flaws. Reinforce weak areas and consider employing impact-resistant materials. There are various places to notice:

1. Balcony & Yard

Determine what items to store or secure in case of a severe storm or strong wind. You should include this information in your strategy. Even while you're on vacation, storms can still harm your house, so if you're planning to be gone, secure these things and take any other necessary precautions before you depart.

1. Drains, Downspouts, and Gutters

Maintaining clear gutters and downspouts is crucial because obstructions can overflow water into the roof cavity beneath the eaves. When it rains a lot, leaves from your roof's valleys will find their way into the gutters. Keep the surrounding drains clear to help surface water drain away and keep water from collecting and seeping into your home.

1. Prune Trees & Branches

Contact your local council to find out about any necessary rules or applications for consent. Remember that your safety is paramount, so seek counsel from a certified (and insured) arborist or tree surgeon when needed. Have an accredited arborist evaluate your trees every two to three years to determine whether preventative measures are required.

1. Roof

It would help to get your roof inspected for damage every year or after significant occurrences like hailstorms. Reinstall any missing, broken, or cracked tiles. Dirt accumulation must be cleared out since it might clog the drainage passages on the underside of the tiles. 

Step 5: Verify Your Insurance Policy

Consider topics like the coverage type (contents insurance applies to everyone, whereas building insurance is for homeowners and mortgagees). Additionally, think about the extent of coverage you have.

Verify that the occurrences covered by your insurance policy are unique to your area. Examples of such events could be storm-water runoff, flash floods, landslips (or landslides), and tree damage to properties.

If you want to know more preparation plans for emergencies, we also have the following:

• How to prepare for a bushfire in Australia
• How to prepare for a cyclone in Australia
• How to prepare for the Sydney storm

Jackery Solar Generators for Brisbane Storms

Jackery Solar Generators provide dependable and portable power options that might be especially useful during a Brisbane storm or other emergency. These generators use solar energy to offer clean and sustainable electricity, allowing you to charge essential devices and keep critical systems operational when regular power sources are unavailable.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

Jackery has unveiled the Solar Generator 2000 Plus, a cutting-edge portable power solution with exceptional performance. Thanks to its substantial capacity and formidable power output, this device can sustain the operation of standard domestic appliances for several weeks in a storm or other emergency.

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus allows adding extra battery packs, which boosts the capacity from 2 kWh to a remarkable 12 kWh, thus enhancing the solar charging capabilities significantly. With the ability to be expanded to 3000W, this solar product offers a 30% higher rated power than other 2 kWh solar goods available in the market.

The Explorer 2000 Plus is an industry's pioneering add-on battery pack that can be recharged using solar panels. This feature enhances versatility, improves charging efficiency, and reduces charging time. The LiFePO4 battery, with its sophisticated technology, guarantees a lifespan of 10 years, even with daily usage limited to once per day. Jackery Solar Panels generate more energy over their lifespan due to their exceptional solar conversion efficiency, reaching up to 25%.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is the ideal portable power supply for home due to its exceptional output. It can aid in home emergencies and other emergencies. It is the all-in-one solar generator for your life due to its versatility and size.  

Supports up to three additional battery packs, bringing the total capacity to 5kWh and providing 1-3 days of home backup power. A solar generator can power your communication devices, medical equipment, and refrigerators, bringing comfort and convenience.  

Stay connected and keep critical devices running with reliable backup power, assuring safety and convenience in an emergency.

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus portable power station, with a 10-year lifespan and a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, provides a consistent voltage and pure sine wave to ensure the safety of all your electrical gadgets. Additionally, the innovative ChargeShield technology and consistent power delivery avoid equipment damage.

What Should You Do During A Brisbane Storm?

How you and your house survive the slashing winds and deluges of rain accompanying each tropical storm system's cylindrical rotation depends significantly on your actions throughout the storm. 

Step 1: Remain Indoors & Avoid Windows

We strongly advise leaving your region as quickly as possible if a mandatory evacuation order is in effect. When a storm is approaching, it is preferable to stay far from its possible route of destruction. The best way to keep safe during a hurricane is to avoid it entirely, which is why they give those orders.

An inner space on the first floor of your house, like a closet or bathroom, is the second-best spot to be during a hurricane. Remain indoors even if it appears that the storm has subsided and cooled down outside, as it could be the calm centre of the storm.

Step 2: Pay Attention to Storm Alerts

There's a significant probability that if you weather the storm at home, your electricity supply will be cut off. TVs, the internet, mobile service, wireless capability, and every other high-tech means of connection with the outside world are all rendered useless.

All you have to do is listen to the Brisbane or Queensland official weather forecast, which broadcasts storm watches, warnings, and predictions on a frequency that is always in effect. Preparing by gathering extra batteries is critical to continue monitoring after the storm.

Step 3: Cut Off Your Primary Energy Sources

It might surprise you that many individuals must know how to shut off their home's primary gas, water, and power supplies. Being aware of the locations of the master valves for all three utilities could mean the difference between remaining safe and dealing with potentially hazardous situations.

Turning off your home's primary power source is critical if a hurricane knocks out the electricity. Your air conditioner, appliances, or anything else with a power source could receive excessive electricity if you leave the power source on and the power comes back on, possibly damaging it beyond repair. 

Step 4: Watch Out for Water Entering Home

Turn off the primary power source in your home immediately if any water is entering from the outside, whether it be from a broken window or another source. There's a chance the water will spike the voltage and start an electrical fire.

Try gathering some towels and other materials to help stop the water from pouring into your home once you have turned off the primary power source. This will assist in halting additional harm from happening.  

What Should You Do After A Brisbane Storm?

You may take many safety measures to protect yourself and your family from the devastation caused by storms. The following are some tips after the Brisbane storm.

Step 1: Wait Until It Is Safe to Go Home

If forced to leave your house during the storm, you're undoubtedly eager to return and resume your normal activities. Sadly, returning home is not always safe, and it's only sometimes simple.

Check your local news sources for the most recent information on evacuation protocols and when it is safe to return. It's advisable to remain put until everything has been cleared out if the place has been severely damaged, there is still no power, or there are still potentially unsafe situations.  

Step 2: Ensure Everyone's Safety

You should make the most significant repairs to your home if you stay there and it has damage, like a broken window or a leaky roof, to stop more harm from occurring. If you need to hire a contractor for repairs or purchase materials from the store, keep your receipts and submit them with your storm-related home insurance claim. Just keep in mind to be cautious.

Step 3: Steer Clear of Standing Water

In addition to the risk of powerline damage during storms, heavy rains frequently cause flooding and can generate electrical currents that travel through the ground and into standing water. Driving, walking, and wading in water should be avoided at all costs in the aftermath of a hurricane, as should downed powerlines and standing water.

Step 4: Shut Off The Gas Pipe

Turn off your home's main gas valve immediately if you smell gas or think there may be a leak. It is preferable to switch it off in advance if you plan to flee or if you believe the power will go out during the storm and you won't need any gas.

Final Thoughts

Storms are a type of natural occurrence that may induce feelings of worry and uncertainty due to their significant changes in atmospheric conditions. Preparedness is crucial in a city like Brisbane, where storms are common. Besides, equipping yourself with emergency supplies like Jackery Solar Generators, which provide stable and unlimited power for your home throughout a storm, can significantly help control the situation.