Storm and weather alerts and what to do
Understand the different storm and weather alert levels and what to do if there is a storm in your area.
Storm alerts
You may hear a warning message on the television or radio, such as a siren. You may receive a message by text or a phone call.
There are 3 levels of storm alerts. They form part of the Australian Warning System.
Advice (Yellow)
A storm has started. There is no immediate danger. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.
Watch and Act (Orange)
There is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.
Emergency Warning (Red)
The highest level of warning. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. Any delay now puts your life at risk.
Severe weather warnings
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issues severe weather warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings for weather that is:
- taking place in an area or
- expected to develop or move into an area.
Severe weather is hard to predict and can develop quickly. Warnings are issued as soon as possible but are dependant on the weather situation. So, always be prepared to take action. Find out how to prepare your home before every storm season.
Learn more about severe weather warnings at the BOM's Severe Weather Centre.
Ways to stay informed
- Find your local ABC radio station. In storms, use a battery-operated radio, as power or mobile networks may be affected.
- For advice and warnings, visit the BOM website and NSW SES, or download the Hazards Near Me app.
- Check the roads to plan a safe evacuation. Visit the Live Traffic NSW website, and download the Live Traffic app for iOS or Android.
- You may receive automatic alert messages to your mobile or landline phone. You do not need to register for these alerts. You should not rely solely on these messages to make a decision to act.
Remember to stay in touch with family, friends and neighbours. Let them know where you are and share important updates with them.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment
Contact the National Relay Service (NRS):
- TTY users phone 1800 555 677 then ask for 1800 679 737
- Speak and Listen users phone 1800 555 727 then ask for 1800 679 737
- Internet relay users connect to the NRS then ask for 1800 679 737
- Report a fire or emergency (TTY users only) through TTY 106.
When a severe weather warning is issued
When a warning is issued for your area, but before the storm has arrived, you should:
- Follow directions on how to stay safe in the official warning.
- If flash flooding is forecast, leave early, but only if it is safe to do so.
- Move people and pets indoors.
- Secure or remove items that could blow around in high winds.
- Locate your emergency kit and add any extra items.
- Unplug and do not use electrical devices, landline phones and modems.
- Park your car undercover or away from trees, powerlines and drains.
- Check on your family, friends and neighbours.
- Listen to your local ABC radio station and other media for information, updates and advice.
During a severe storm
During a severe storm you should:
- Stay indoors. Shelter in the smallest room, with the least windows, in your house.
- Make sure everyone knows to call Triple Zero (000) in a life-threatening situation.
- Never enter or travel through floodwater.
- Stay away from waterways, drains, causeways, gutters, and fallen trees and powerlines.
- If you're driving, put your hazard lights on and pull over to the side of the road safely away from traffic. Don't park near waterways, drains, causeways, trees and powerlines.
- Listen to your local ABC radio station and other media for information, updates and advice.
Leaving early for a safer place
If your area is on alert for a storm or flash flooding, it's important to be ready to relocate at short notice, if it is safe to do so. Read how to be ready for an emergency evacuation.
Leaving at the last minute can be dangerous as roads may be blocked. Remember to check the roads to plan a safe evacuation. Visit the Live Traffic NSW website, or download the Live Traffic app for iOS or Android.
If you are trapped by rising floodwater, seek refuge in the highest part of a sturdy building. Stay there and call Triple Zero (000) if you need to be rescued.
After the storm passes
When it's safe, go outside and check for any damage to your house and around your yard or balcony. Follow the safety advice in the official warning and from your local SES.
If you need emergency repairs or are isolated and require essential items, call NSW SES on 132 500.
If you can, contact your family and friends and check on your neighbours.