Media Release

Eastern New South Wales could be in for more hail storms this summer, similar to the Western Sydney hailstorm of 2007 and Sydney Eastern Suburbs hailstorm of 1999 according to the latest advice from the Bureau of Meteorology. The NSW State Emergency Service is gearing up for a busy summer as the outlook tends to a return to a traditional storm season with more than 50 severe storms expected over the coming months.

The state has had an early preview to storms with strong winds buffeting much of NSW throughout August and September. The blustery conditions tore off roofs from buildings, smashed in windows and brought down countless trees and powerlines throughout several communities. During this period, NSW SES volunteers responded to more than 3,200 jobs.

At a briefing today, the Bureau of Meteorology will outline the latest information on this storm season which will show a potential increase in severe storms bringing hail, damaging winds and flash flooding.  NSW SES Commissioner, Murray Kear, said now is the time to prepare for these adverse conditions.

“Hail is one of the most destructive weather elements and as we saw in the Sydney hailstorm of 1999, it can cause billions of dollars-worth of damage. If people prepare their homes and businesses now, we can all make an effort to reduce the amount of damage suffered in severe weather,” Commissioner Kear explained.

“Our volunteers are often called out to jobs where there is significant damage that could have been easily prevented,” he added.

“The best time to prepare for a storm is when the weather is fine. By doing a few simple things now like cleaning your gutters and checking your roof is in good repair, you can ensure you and your family can stay safe during storms,” he said.

The NSW SES has around 10,000 volunteers across the state who are preparing now for the inclement weather during storm season which officially runs from October to March. The NSW SES is also urging people to take the same action and prepare their homes and businesses with a few simple tasks:

• Clean gutters and downpipes
• Check your roof is in good repair
• Trim overhanging tree branches
• Prepare an emergency kit

Learn how to be StormSafe .

For emergency help in a flood or storm call the NSW SES on 132 500. Dial 000 (triple zero) in life threatening situations.

Media enquiries: NSW SES Media (02) 4225 7500.