New data reveals SEQ was home to a majority of the top 10 storm hotspots in the state after a wild year of weather

Queensland’s storm damage hot spots have revealed, as new figures show more than 27,000 weather-related home insurance claims were made in the past year, as more wild weather is likely ahead of the Christmas season.

South East Queensland is home to the majority of the state’s top storm damage hotspots, new data has revealed, as forecasters warn of a triple threat of flooding, storms and heatwaves for much of the state this summer.

Research from Suncorp Insurance and Queensland SES has revealed SEQ represented eight of the top 10 storm hotspots and SES callout locations.

Based on more than 27,000 weather-related home insurance claims from the past financial year, Upper Coomera was found to be the hardest hit location for storms, followed by Helensvale and Gatton near Toowoomba.

Gympie and one of its suburbs, Southside, in the Wide Bay region also made the list, with Kirwan the only North Queensland location to make it into the top 10.

■ Qld’s 10 worst storm hotspots of last year

A storm rolls in over Brisbane City, from Paddington. Photo Steve Pohlner

The data further showed 75 per cent of Queenslanders were failing to plan and protect their home, and Queensland SES Operations Director Glen Alderton said it was vital for homeowners to heed the warnings and prepare for storm season.

“The storms that were in the Gold Coast (last year) there was significant damage, just because of the nature of the environment I think that the size of the trees that fell and affected properties they were massive, so there was a lot of work for both SES and for local government and the residents,” Mr Alderton said.

“But that’s a point in time and I think the important thing is that could happen anywhere in the state.

“The Bureau can tell us that (there’s) going to be a higher percentage of storms this season but where they go, we have no idea so that’s why it’s really important that we as Queenslanders all prepare and do that work.”

Qld SES responded to more than 13,000 severe weather-related incidences in the past year, with home damage or flooding and clearing fallen trees the most common reasons.

More than half of the SES’s top 10 callout locations were also on the Gold Coast and hinterland, thanks to the Christmas Day storms.

The remaining locations were spread across Cairns from Cyclone Jasper, and the Lockyer Valley from summer storms.

Mr Alderton said while SEQ has some of the top storm hotspots currently, the SES was preparing for all types of disasters including storms, cyclones and flooding.

“From Rockhampton up, we’re looking at cyclone season,” he said.

“Then of course South East Queensland have their famous storms and we have the training that occurs with those sort of risks.”

A Helensvale home in the aftermath of the devastating Gold Coast storms that hit on Christmas Day, 2023. Pics Adam Head

Suncorp Insurance’s Executive General Manager Home Prevention and Protection Anna Cartwright said as many Queenslanders leave their homes for holidays, it’s vital that as part of their planning they prepare their home for potential summer storms.

“It’s been a big year and we’re all ready for a holiday, but the last thing anyone wants is to come home to a disaster zone thanks to a severe storm,” Ms Cartwright said.

“Failing to properly plan and prepare your home leaves it vulnerable to the elements while you’re away, which is a huge risk, and one that can be reduced if you plan ahead.”

Just this week the southeast was hit with an unprecedented slow-moving rain bomb, with a tropical low forming over the Gulf of Carpentaria now threatening to bring heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms to the far north.

The Bureau have said while tropical lows are the foundation for tropical cyclone season, there is a low chance the tropical low could form into a cyclone but severe weather leading to flash flooding may be possible next week.