New research by NRMA Insurance (NRMA) has revealed that 47% of Australians encountered severe weather conditions this past summer, facing a mix of record-setting heatwaves, powerful storms, and slow-moving cyclones.
The data is featured in the most recent edition of the NRMA Insurance Wild Weather Tracker, which sheds light on the extensive damage caused by these extreme weather events.
Throughout the summer of 2023/24, NRMA recorded 19,600 claims for damages stemming from these harsh weather conditions, affecting both homes and vehicles.
The season saw the highest number of claims for home damage since the autumn of 2022, with 13,817 claims related to residential damage alone. Severe weather was responsible for 62% of these home damage claims, a significant increase of 55% compared to the summer of 2022/23.
The leading causes of the damages were identified as storms and hail, with cyclones and floods also contributing to the toll.
The summer witnessed several significant weather events, including:
The research also highlighted a lack of preparedness among Australians, with 37% of those impacted by extreme weather admitting they were caught off guard.
NRMA meteorologist Zac Segger noted the unpredictable nature of Australian summers, with a blend of scorching heat, torrential downpours, and hailstorms.
“Hot and humid conditions in summer led to heavy downpours and hailstorms across much of the country. It’s a reminder that wild weather can arise with little warning and be incredibly destructive in just a few minutes,” he said. “While we expect autumn to be warmer than normal for much of the country, there is a risk of severe thunderstorms bringing large hail, heavy rain, and damaging winds to the eastern seaboard. It’s important to be aware of your local wild weather risks and what you can do to prepare.”
Concerningly, despite the recent spate of extreme weather, nearly one-third of Australians (31%) cited disbelief in the likelihood of such events affecting them as the largest barrier to preparation.
NRMA executive manager of claims Natalie Major voiced worries over the low levels of household preparedness for extreme weather, with only 40% of Australians taking proactive steps last season.
“Since late November, we have experienced a series of severe weather events right along the East Coast that caused significant damage, and our teams have focused on ensuring our customers are safe and completing repairs as quickly as possible,” she said.
The Wild Weather Tracker initiative, part of NRMA’s Help Nation effort, aims to equip Australians with the knowledge and tools to better prepare for and understand the risks of extreme weather in their local areas.
