During a storm
Learn about what to expect during storms and the actions you can take to stay safe, reduce the impact, and help you rebuild for the future.
Storms can become extremely dangerous, causing destructive winds, heavy rainfall, damaging hail and flash flooding. In NSW, Storm Season falls between September and April, but major storms can happen at any time of the year.
When to call the NSW SES
For emergency assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami, call NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000). Visit the Contact page for more information.
Know your warnings
The NSW SES will issue warnings for severe weather using the Australian Warning System, including Advice, Watch and Act, and Emergency Warnings.
- Prepare now
- Monitor conditions
- Threat is reduced
- Stay indoors
- Avoid the area
- Seek shelter now
The Bureau of Meteorology will issue Severe Weather and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings.
You may not always receive an official warning. Look out for the natural signs of floods, storms and tsunami. The natural signs of storms may include:
- Gathering of heavy clouds
- Darkening skies
- Increasing winds
- Thunder
- Lightning
- Heavy rain
Download the Hazards Near Me App and set your watch zones for floods and severe weather to get the NSW SES warnings.
During a storm
Be aware
- The safest place during a storm is inside away from windows. If you are caught outside the safest place is under secure shelter, away from trees, powerlines, creeks and low-lying areas.
- During storms, coastal erosion can occur rapidly, causing damage and potential danger to buildings, infrastructure and people. Inform your local council if there are dangerous erosion scarps.
Make safe decisions
- Stay out of the water and away from areas exposed to damaging surf.
- Stay where you are if it is safe to do so. Only travel if it is essential.
- Stay away from possible flash flood areas when severe weather is forecast and reconsider any travel.
- If there is a flash flooded road, turn around, find a safer way or wait until floods ease.
- Check the Live Traffic website for information on road closures.
Stay safe
- If driving, find secure shelter away from trees, powerlines, creeks, gutters, causeways, and low-lying areas.
- Steer clear of creeks, storm drains and avoid fallen powerlines.
- Help your local emergency responders by staying at your safe location. Going to see areas impacted will make response and recovery efforts more difficult for your local emergency services.
- If you experience damage to your property, contact your insurer as soon as possible to lodge a claim.
Follow advice
- Keep listening to media outlets and NSW SES socials for information, updates and advice.
- An emergency alert may be sent to your phone (text or voice message) with information about the current emergency.
- NSW SES may not be able to get to you immediately. You may need to rely on yourself or family, friends or neighbours for a period of time.
Look out for each other
We can all work together towards being ready.
- If it is safe to do so, check to see if your neighbours need help.
- Support someone who may require further assistance.
- Contacting your friends, neighbours and family when flooding is about to happen will help:
- ensure that everybody understands your emergency plan;
- people to assist each other where necessary;
- people to share and confirm warnings and information about the flood situation;
- provide you (and them) with support and reassurance during a stressful situation.
Additional resources
Get ready
- Bring pets indoors and shelter from severe weather. Plan for your pets to go with you if you need to evacuate.
- Secure loose outdoor items and furniture or equipment like a trampoline. These can become a hazard during high winds or if swept away during a flood.
- Shelter vehicles under cover. If not, park your car away from trees and cover them with a tarpaulin or blankets if hail is predicted. Make sure you have a full tank of fuel in case you need (and are able) to evacuate.
Emergency Plan
Review your Emergency Plan to ensure it outlines your family's steps if extreme weather strikes. It should include information about where you will go, how you will get there, what evacuation routes you can use, what you will do with your animals, and how to manage any health needs. Create your emergency plan using the NSW SES Emergency Planning tool.
Emergency Kit
Having an emergency kit ready to go can help you save precious time if you need to leave in a hurry. Use the Emergency Kit Checklist to gather and tick off the items as you put your kit together.
When leaving or evacuating, place in your emergency kit:
Medicare card and proof of ID and address (i.e. utility bill).
Medications, prescriptions and eScripts. Ensure you have enough medication to last five days. For medications that need to be kept cool use a small esky.
Medical equipment and aids (including backup power source).
Non-perishable food and water – if your kit contains canned goods make sure you pack a can opener.
Baby items – nappies, formula…etc.
Phone and charger
Make sure your phone is fully charged and on hand so you can contact help in an emergency. Remember to use it sparingly during a severe weather in case of a prolonged blackout.
Electricity, gas and water safety
Severe storms can damage utility networks and impact the supply of essential services like electricity, water, natural gas, sewage, and telecommunications to homes and businesses.
- If you have already lost power, turn off and unplug electrical equipment. If possible, remove and relocate portable appliances to a higher location if there is a risk of flooding.
- Do not touch any electrical equipment if you are standing in water or if your hands are wet.
- Stay away from powerlines, trees and watercourses. Always assume fallen powerlines are live and stay at least 8 metres or 2 car lengths away. Do not approach them or walk under them. Trees that have fallen across powerlines could also be electrified. Do not attempt to remove trees or branches.
Visit the Electricity, gas and water safety page for more information.
Sandbags
Using sandbags to protect your home or business can help reduce damage.
If a storm or flood warning has been issued, your local council and/or SES unit may announce where sandbagging stations may be set up in your area. Check your local information page for information.
Visit the Using sandbags to protect your home page to learn more about how to make and use sandbags.
Evacuation
If you need to evacuate, the best option is to stay with friends and family in a safe location. You can also go to an evacuation centre for shelter and assistance.
To find out if an evacuation centre has been opened, monitor your local media channels and NSW SES social media pages. Also check your local council website.
Visit the Evacuation centres page for more on how to find and what to expect at an evacuation centre.
Recovering from a storm
After an evacuation, NSW SES will advise when it is safe for residents and businesses to return to an emergency affected area. Do not go back to your property if the emergency is still active.
Additional support is available for you as you recover. Visit the Recovery page for more information about responding to and recovering from storms.
Get prepared with these apps
Download these four apps for weather warnings, hazard notifications, road impacts and help from emergency services.
Hazards Near Me NSW
Set your watch zones and receive current information about local emergencies, including floods, bushfires and severe weather, and advice on what to do to stay safe.
BOM Weather
Access hourly and 7-day forecasts, radar and warnings directly from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Live Traffic NSW
Plan ahead with real-time information about hazards that may affect your travel on NSW roads.
Emergency Plus
Use your mobile device’s GPS functionality and what3words to accurately communicate your location and provide critical details to emergency call-takers.
Support resources
Hearing /speech impaired
SMS NRS 0423 677 767
Homeless
If you are homeless call Link2Home on 1800 152 152.
Internet Relay
Make a National Relay Service chat call.
Translation services
If an interpreter is required, emergency services can access translation services.