Port Macquarie is the storm capital of NSW with SES responding to more than 800 incidents in the past financial year.
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The region was ranked number one ahead of Dubbo and Forbes for call outs with the SES responding to more than 24,000 storm-related incidents across the state.
Port Macquarie ranked fourth for insurance claims according to insurer AAMI, behind Dubbo and Bateau Bay on the Central Coast and Belmont at Lake Macquarie.
Leading Senior Operator of Port Macquarie SES Michael Ward said the organisation responded to more than 840 jobs in the last financial year in the Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA.
"Of those, 760 were storm-related," he said. "Significant events were the hail storm last year and the microburst in February this year.
"We are in storm season and prevention is preferable, so simple things like cleaning gutters and trimming back vegetation helps with both storms and bushfires."
The mircoburst that hit the region on Friday afternoon, February 3, left about 14,000 homes without power, ripped roofs off properties and downed trees.
There was no advance warning of the massive storm which was likely caused by a humid and unstable air mass contrasting with a cold front sweeping through southern parts of NSW.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns said while storms can happen at any time of year there's an increased chance of storms between October and March.
"NSW sees a higher chance of strong winds and heavy rain which can cause damage to homes and properties," he said.
"It's important to know your storm risk, have a plan in place, get your home ready, be aware of what you will do if disaster strikes, and look out for one another."
"When times are tough, it can be hard to prioritise things like home maintenance, particularly spending money on improving the resilience of your home. However, many of these tasks don't cost or take long, and can be well worth the investment to strengthen the resilience of their biggest asset."
Top Tips to Prepare
- Securing and putting away loose items around your backyard or balcony.
- Trimming trees and branches that could fall onto your home or car.
- Cleaning your gutters, downpipes and drains of leaves and debris.
- Parking your vehicles under cover and away from trees or powerlines.
- Inspecting retaining walls
- Ensuring there's no corrosion, loose fittings or rotting timber around your property.
- Inspecting your roof for damaged or loose tiles
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Ben Carr
Starting out as a reporter in Lightning Ridge in 2005, I returned to journalism in 2023 after 15 years spent in event production and technical services. Passionate about community news, contact me on ben.carr@austcommunitymedia.com.au or ph: 0484 524 000
Starting out as a reporter in Lightning Ridge in 2005, I returned to journalism in 2023 after 15 years spent in event production and technical services. Passionate about community news, contact me on ben.carr@austcommunitymedia.com.au or ph: 0484 524 000
