By Sheree Hoddinett
Summer has only just officially kicked off and we’ve already seen a taste of what lies ahead in the coming months. If you have already had enough of the rain, sorry to dampen your spirits even more, because it’s looking like there is plenty more ahead.
The long-range forecast for December to February is currently showing an increased chance of unusually high rainfall (60-80% chance of above average falls for much of eastern Australia – which includes the eastern half of Queensland), as well as warmer than average days and nights across most of Australia.
While we all know severe weather can happen at any time, every year between October and April is Australia's peak time for:
tropical cyclones
severe thunderstorms
flooding
heatwaves and
bushfires.
Along with an early dose of storms in November, which showed us some full-on lightning and even destructive hail in parts, we have already seen a tidal wave of rainfall, which certainly kept the ground soggy for days to see out the end of spring.
No one likes to see damage as a result of crazy weather, so now is the time for residents to put their plans in place, prepare for what is still to come and get through it as best you can!
Severe storms are just one hazard that can occur across the City of Moreton Bay and it’s likely you’ll see a lot more between now and March next year. Mayor Peter Flannery said the recent weather was a good reminder for residents to make sure their homes were prepared for an emergency.
“Thunderstorms have already begun to roll through our city during spring and there’s an increased risk of more to come,” he said. “Storms can bring with them rain, damaging winds and hail. “There’s no cause for alarm right now, but it’s a timely reminder to make sure your home and family is prepared for storm season as the Bureau of Meteorology predicts more wet weather this summer. “With weather being so unpredictable, residents should monitor conditions and use BOM reports to ensure they are not caught out during this severe weather season.”
Mr Flannery is encouraging residents to visit the City of Moreton Bay website to uncover tips on the best ways to keep yourself, your family and your property safe.
“There’s information on how to best prepare your property, by clearing debris from your yard and gutters,” Mr Flannery said. “It’s important to also create an emergency plan that includes your pets, so everyone in your household knows what to do in the event of an emergency. Make sure your emergency kit is stocked up with all the essentials to sustain you for three days during severe weather or floods.”
Mr Flannery also highlighted the City of Moreton Bay’s Disaster Dashboard, the best local access point for all the information you may need if disaster strikes.
“It’s your one stop shop, for disaster information like road closures, sandbag stations, evacuation centres, power outages and more,” Mr Flannery said. “Make sure to save the Disaster Dashboard to your homepage on your phone or to your favourites on your computer, so it’s easy to access in an emergency. These are just some of the many great tips you can find on our website to help you Plan. Prepare. Survive this severe weather season.”
To locate the Disaster Dashboard, visit https://disaster.moretonbay.qld.gov.au
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