The NSW SES is warning people to prepare for an intense storm season.
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Storms can occur at any time but Bureau of Meteorology data shows there is a marked tendency for severe thunderstorms to occur between the months of October to March in NSW.
"The increase in storm frequency during this period is primarily due to the increase in energy provided by the sun during the warmer spring and summer months, coupled with spring and summer weather patterns that are favourable for storm growth," a spokesperson from NSW SES said.
NSW SES Camden Haven unit commander Gordon Hutchison said the last two storm seasons in the region have been reasonably quiet, so residents could be hit with some more intense storms this period, with hail and strong wind.
Weatherzone meteorologist Jacob Cronje said research has shown elevated terrain can enhance storm activity.
This might explain why locations close to North Brother Mountain and other elevated locations can be impacted by hail, while areas close to Port Macquarie remain clear.
Mr Hutchison is urging residents to prepare as best they can by clearing out gutters, drains and ensure any loose items are secured.
Old skylights often smash during intense hailstorms. During the spring storm on Tuesday, September 17 members were called to over a dozen incidents involving smashed skylights.
"If you do have a skylight, make sure you have buckets and a PVC sheet handy," Mr Huchison said.
People can call the NSW SES Camden Haven unit on 132 500 for assistance.
Mr Hutchison said members will attend as soon as they can.
He said if flooding reaches evacuation levels, the SES will issue an evacuation warning if needed.
When a severe weather warning is issued
- Disconnect electrical appliances and all external television and radio aerials;
- Turn off electricity and gas main supplies if instructed by emergency authorities;
- Secure outdoor furniture and other garden items;
- Fill buckets and bath with clean water in case of interruptions to main supply;
- Close windows with shutters, or use strong tape in criss-crossing pattern and draw curtains; and
- Park vehicles under cover, away from trees, powerlines and waterways, or if you cannot access undercover shelter for your vehicles, secure with firmly tied blankets to minimise hail damage.
During the storm
- Check all household members are safe and are in the strongest room in the house (including your pets);
- Take your emergency kit;
- Keep clear of windows, doors and skylights;
- Don't use a fixed telephone;
- Avoid touching brick or concrete, or standing bare-footed on concrete or tiled floors (lighting can travel through metal wires or bars in the wall or floor); and
- Keep checking the bom.gov.au or the app, and listen to your local radio station for storm warnings and updates.
For more information on how to prepare for the storm season visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au
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