Severe weather events, particularly storms, are among the top causes of insurance claims in manufacturing, hospitality, and retail. Historical data shows that property damage from storms, flooding, and other natural disasters consistently ranks near the top for both claims volume and value.

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For businesses in these sectors, downtime from weather-related damage directly impacts revenue, supply chains, and customer trust. Storms and related events such as hail, high winds, and flooding account for a significant portion of total insured losses annually in Australia.

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SafetyCulture Care data shows that storms, cyclones, floods, and hail have led to 1,186 claims worth over $79 million in total, with an average claim of $66,735. Historical records show similar patterns, with weather-related property damage consistently ranking at the top of claims volume and value.

Understanding Australia’s Storm Profile

Australia’s summer storms are no longer predictable seasonal events. Increasingly, they signal the urgent need for preparedness. Severe storms can include flash flooding, winds over 90 km/h, hail of 2 cm or more, and even tornadoes.

Common storm types include:

• Thunderstorms and hailstorms fuelled by heat, humidity, and unstable air.

• Southerly busters, sudden cold surges causing late-day storms.

• Black nor’easters, moisture-rich north-easterly storms along the east coast.

• East Coast Lows (ECLs), powerful maritime cyclones bringing heavy rainfall and coastal flooding.

• Tropical cyclones, which, while rare in the south, can be highly destructive in northern Australia.

Storms in Australia are not just increasing in frequency but are also intensifying in their impact. This shift means timely preparation is more critical than ever.