Impressive lightning display (Image courtesy of EMA) - More>>
What is severe weather?
On the Australian continent severe weather can range from isolated thunderstorms to intense low pressure systems affecting thousands of square kilometres. Large scale deep low pressure systems cause widespread flash flooding and gale to storm force winds extending over 400 to 1,000 square kilometres.
Severe weather includes:
- Intense low pressure systems;
- thunderstorms;
- lightning;
- hail;
- storm wind gusts; and
- tornadoes.
Severe storms are estimated to cost A$284 million per annum (Bureau of Transport and Economics, 2001). This represents one quarter of the average annual cost of natural disasters in Australia. In terms of insured cost severe storms are responsible for more damage than tropical cyclones, earthquakes, floods or bushfires.
Synoptic storms are capable of causing the most extensive damage of all severe weather events. The level of damage is generally locally minor and mainly affects vegetation and structures which are vulnerable due to local acceleration of the wind over topography, but can affect large parts of the country.
Interesting Fact
Synoptic storms are capable of causing the most extensive damage of all severe weather events. The level of damage, although widespread, is generally locally minor and mainly affects vegetation and structures which are vulnerable due to local acceleration of the wind over topography.
Further Reading
Related Websites
- Emergency Management Australia - Severe Storms
- Bureau of Meteorology - Severe Thunderstorms
- Bureau of Meteorology - El Niņo/Southern Oscillation wrap up
- National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration - Climate Predition Center
- Australian Severe Weather
- National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration - Tornado Portal
- Emergency Management Australia Library