Residents in Campbelltown are urged to prepare for the increased risk of storms as the 2024/25 storm season officially begins, and the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) continues to clean up from the wild winds that lashed parts of the state over recent weeks.
Storm season traditionally occurs from September to April each year, when storms, strong winds and heavy rain tend to be more frequent.
Over recent weeks NSW has been battered by windy conditions, with 1200 volunteers responding to more than 2000 events.
The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated the risk of extreme storms is increased, for at least the start of the season.
The NSW SES has responded to more than 21,000 storm related incidents over the past year. Of these incidents, 1,358 occurred in the Wyong area, 1,016 in Gosford, 904 in Sutherland, 835 in Wollongong and 680 in Ku-ring-gai.
Storm activity can now be checked using the Hazards Near Me app, alongside existing flood, fire and tsunami alerts.
To prepare for storms, residents should follow these tips:
• Secure loose items outside, trim trees and branches away from properties, clean your gutters and move your cars from underneath trees.
• If you are caught out in a storm, seek shelter indoors. Do not shelter under trees and stay away from powerlines.
• Prepare an emergency plan for storms and floods.
• Download the Hazards Near Me app and set your watch zones.
• If you need assistance from the NSW SES, call 132 500. If it’s an emergency, call Triple 0.
For more information on how to get ready ahead of this year’s storm season, visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“As we enter storm season, I urge all communities to ensure they are aware of their risks and encourage them to prepare early.
“It is incredibly important to have your plan in place, get your home ready and be prepared for what you will do if impacted by storms.”
“Our emergency services are constantly looking at opportunities to improve the way they inform communities about hazards and that is why it's so important to have severe weather warnings included as part of the suite of warnings available on the Hazards Near Me NSW app, Hazard Watch and the NSW SES website.”
Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said:
“I would like to thank our hardworking SES volunteers who have been out in force in recent weeks. We know we can count on them to support communities across NSW over the course of this storm season.”
“We have seen over the past few weeks the effects of strong winds which brought down trees, damaged powerlines, lifted roofs and fanned fires across the state.”
NSW SES Acting Commissioner Debbie Platz APM said:
“Severe weather can happen at any time and urged residents to remain vigilant.
“While we are heading into a period where the risk of storms is increased, this year has demonstrated they can happen all year round.
“I am urging communities to complete simple tasks to prepare their homes and protect their families.
“Have a home emergency plan and kit, clean your gutters, downpipes and drains, secure loose items around your backyard and balcony, and trim trees and branches that could fall onto your home.”
