NRMA Insurance data shows Gold Coast suburbs bore brunt of summer wild storm season

Queensland’s weather can be wild and chaotic – these are the area worst hit. SEE THE LIST

More than 60 per cent of Queenslanders encountered wild weather over the summer, a new survey has revealed, underscoring the significant impact of natural disasters on the region.

NRMA Insurance received 5110 damage claims over the busy storm season, with four in five home claims relating to severe weather events.

It comes as a new report by NRMA Insurance found 76 per cent of Queenslanders hold growing concerns about the frequency of natural disasters including storms, floods, and bushfires.

Despite this apprehension, only 68 per cent of residents said they check the weather forecast daily – the lowest in the country.

A lightning storm off the Gold Coast. Picture: Cassandra Brown

The Gold Coast region bore the brunt of the devastation in the south with the Christmas storms resulting in more than 2600 claims, while Tropical Cyclone Jasper wreaked havoc in the north, resulting in 730 claims.

The worst affected suburbs in the state were Upper Coomera, Oxenford, Helensvale, Coombabah and Mount Tamborine.

Despite the challenges, Queenslanders are leading the way in preparedness, with 53 per cent having taken steps to prepare for wild weather in the past three months.

As autumn approaches, 61 per cent of residents plan to bolster their preparedness efforts, with 46 per cent already having emergency plans in place – a record high for the state.

NRMA Insurance meteorologist Zac Segger emphasised the importance of preparedness in mitigating the impact of severe weather events and urged South East residents to be prepared all year round.

A storm over the Gold Coast caused flooding at Woodlands Park, Mudgeeraba. Picture: Adam Head

“What we saw in Queensland over the summer was not that atypical,” he said.

“While we expect autumn to be warmer than normal for much of the country, there is a risk of severe thunderstorms bringing large hail, heavy rain and damaging winds to the eastern seaboard.

“You could expect to see the potential for these severe thunderstorms with heavy downpours, damaging winds, large hail, to impact areas like South East Queensland.

“It’s important to be aware of your local wild weather risks and what you can do to prepare.”

Worst affected areas:

1. Gold Coast (51.15 per cent of all claims)
2. Logan – Beaudesert (8.28 per cent of all claims)
3. Wide Bay (6.05 per cent of all claims)
4. Sunshine Coast (4.15 per cent of all claims)
5. Ipswich (3.87 per cent of all claims)

Worst affected suburbs:

1. Upper Coomera
2. Oxenford
3. Helensvale
4. Coombabah
5. Tamborine Mountain

Wild weather hotspot list:

1. (+1) North Queensland (including Townsville)
2. (+4) Mackay, Isaac and the Whitsundays
3. (=) Far North Queensland (incl. Cairns)
4. (+4) Sunshine Coast
5. (+5) Gold Coast
6. (-4) Wide Bay Burnett (including Bundaberg, Fraser Coast)
7. (=) Darling Downs South West (incl. Toowoomba)
8. (+1) Greater Brisbane
9. (-3) Central Queensland (including Gladstone, Rockhampton and Longreach)

NRMA’s top wild weather preparedness tips for autumn:

1. Protect your home by clearing debris, keeping gutters clean, shutting windows and securing items that have the potential to become airborne.
2. Protect your car by keeping it under cover and avoiding outdoor carparks when wild weather is predicted.
3. Conduct a roof assessment to make sure you don’t have any cracks, leaks or porous tiles that could be damaged and allow water into your home.