Brace for La Nina triple whammy of storms, cyclones, floods
A triple threat of freak storms, cyclones and floods that resulted in 65,000 insurance claims could be unleashed on Queensland again this summer.
QLD News
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Queenslanders are being warned of a triple-whammy summer of storms, cyclones and flooding when the wet season collides with a historic third-straight La Nina.
RACQ Insurance data showed it received more than 65,000 weather-related claims over the past three years, with nearly 80 per cent of those between September and March.
The data revealed flood-smashed north Brisbane and Moreton Bay were the hardest-hit regions throughout the past year, based on the number of claims for each policyholders.
More than 12,500 home insurance claims were made by Sunshine and Gold Coast customers alone.
With Mother Nature set to unleash on Queensland with the declaration of a rare triple La Nina, RACQ has warned residents of the increased risk of heavy rain and flooding.
RACQ’s general manager of advocacy Josh Cooney urged Queenslanders to prepare for wetter months, regardless of their location.
He said the La Nina would drench an already wet east coast throughout spring and summer.
Mr Cooney said the potential for cyclones could be greater this summer on the back of the rare forecast.
“The unprecedented February flooding was the second costliest weather event in Australia’s history and has taken an enormous toll on our members, who we continue to support through the recovery and rebuilding phase,” he said.
“Now is the time to clear debris from your yard and roof, clean out your gutters so water can flow freely and doesn’t pool and cause damage, trim back overgrown trees and carry out any necessary repairs and maintenance work on your house.”
The weather bureau last week officially declared the La Nina has returned to Australia, expected to last until the first quarter of 2023.
The event is predicted to bring extremely wet weather and flash flooding for parts of the state from this month onwards.
It will be the fourth time a triple La Nina event has occurred in Australian history.
Research from rival insurance provider NRMA showed the Gold and Sunshine Coast accounted for the body’s largest amount of claims, followed by Wide Bay, Logan and Ipswich.
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