How to prepare for storms

Severe storms can remove roofs from buildings, break windows, damage vehicles, disrupt power supply and cause flash flooding. Find out how to prepare your property to minimise damage.

Related to Health and safety

Published 22 December 2025

Person in rain gear walks with a brolly near the waterfront in front of the Sydney Opera House on a stormy day. Text above reads, "How to prepare for storms.

What to expect from storms

Sydney is famous for its summer storms at the end of a hot and humid day. But storms can happen at any time of the year in our local area.

Storms can come on suddenly and bring strong winds, heavy rain, hail, thunder and lightning.

Often wild, unpredictable and fast-moving, storms can cause flash flooding, fallen trees and loss of power. They can also worsen some respiratory conditions.

To avoid property damage and financial hardship, it helps to prepare for storms and reduce their impacts.

Prepare your home for storms

Regular maintenance around your home can help reduce storm impacts.

Create a plan – use the NSW SES emergency planning tool to create one for your household
Check fences, roofs, and gutters are in good condition and well-secured
Clean gutters and downpipes regularly so they can handle high rainfall
If you have a tree on your property, trim branches near walls and powerlines
If a street or park tree is touching powerlines or your home, report it to our tree team
Make sure your home and belongings are properly insured
Consider signing up for SMS alerts about power outages
Monitor Bureau of Meteorology weather alerts

To help you prepare for power outages of all kinds, check out Ausgrid’s action plan checklist. If you’d like a paper copy, contact Ausgrid directly or head to one of our libraries to print a copy to keep somewhere safe.

What to do when a storm is forecast

Secure and put away loose items including outdoor furniture and pot plants
Move vehicles under cover and away from trees
Disconnect all electrical items
Report blocked stormwater drains – clear drains reduce flash flooding impacts
Create a safe place for your pets – a quiet room or small contained area is best
Ensure your pets are wearing identification tags and their microchip information is up to date so you can be reunited with them if they escape
Listen to your local ABC radio station for storm warnings and advice
Monitor Bureau of Meteorology weather alerts

During a storm

Stay away from creeks, drains, causeways, gutters, streams, fallen trees and powerlines, and any damaged buildings. Stay inside and reduce unnecessary travel as much as possible.

If you’re caught outdoors during thunder and lightning:

seek shelter in a hard top vehicle or solid building
never shelter under a tree or group of trees
if you’re far from shelter, crouch down, don’t lie flat
if you’re boating or swimming, leave the water immediately – lightning can travel up to 1km through water
if you’re driving during a severe storm, pull over, ideally under a bridge, overpass or large infrastructure
never drive, ride or walk through floodwater

For emergency help in storms and floods, call the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) on 13 25 00.

Report fallen powerlines to Ausgrid on 13 13 88. Call triple zero (000) if there are injuries or threat to life from powerlines.

After a storm

Check your property for damage – if you need help, contact the NSW SES
Stay away from creeks, drains, causeways, gutters, streams, fallen trees and powerlines, and any damaged buildings
Stay indoors if possible – going outside can slow down emergency services
Check if your neighbours and family members need help, particularly more vulnerable community members such as older people and people with mobility and health conditions