How to Survive a Brisbane Storm: Tips Before, During & After
Prepare for Power Outages
Storms often mean power outage Brisbane. Depending on the severity, you could be without electricity for hours or even days. While having torches, candles, and backup chargers is a good start, it’s also worth thinking about longer-term solutions to keep your essentials running, like an emergency generator for house.
Now, you might be thinking of those noisy, fuel-guzzling petrol generators — and while they’ve been the go-to for years, they’re not always the most convenient or safest choice. Traditional generators require fuel (which can be hard to find during a storm emergency), give off fumes, and can’t be used safely indoors or even in enclosed garages. Plus, the noise alone can be a real headache.
That’s where modern battery backup solutions like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station come in. It’s a high-capacity portable home battery that runs silently, doesn’t need fuel, and is safe to use inside the home. It’s a much cleaner, smarter option that gives you reliable backup power when you need it most.
If you call Brisbane home, you know that our beautiful city isn’t just about sunny days and river breezes. The recent impact of Cyclone Alfred served as a stark reminder of how quickly the weather can turn, bringing with it severe storms that disrupt daily life. From power outages affecting over 330,000 homes to significant flooding in various suburbs, the aftermath was felt across the community.
Understanding the different types of Brisbane storms, knowing where to find accurate warnings, and being prepared can make all the difference when the next storm hits. This guide aims to equip you with practical steps to stay safe and minimize risks before, during, and after severe weather events.
What Are the Common Types of Brisbane Storms?
Brisbane’s subtropical climate means storms are a regular part of life—especially from late spring through to autumn. While not every storm is severe, understanding the different types can help you know what to expect and how to respond.
Thunderstorms
These are the most common you’ll see during Brisbane storm season. They can develop quickly on hot, humid days and often bring lightning, heavy rain, and strong gusts of wind. Some thunderstorms are short and sharp, while others can linger and cause flash flooding.
Hailstorms
Brisbane is no stranger to hail — just ask anyone who’s ever had their car caught out in the open during one. These storms often hit in late spring or early summer and can cause significant damage to vehicles, roofs, and gardens. Hailstones in our region can range from pea-sized to golf-ball-sized (or even larger in rare cases).
Cyclones and Ex-Tropical Cyclones
While tropical cyclones typically form further north, systems like Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March 2025 have shown that the remnants of these weather events can still pack a punch in South East Queensland. These storms can bring prolonged heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds — even after they’ve weakened from full cyclone status.
Supercell Storms
Brisbane superstorms are rare but particularly dangerous. They’re highly organised, rotating thunderstorms that can produce giant hail, destructive winds, flash floods, and even tornadoes. Brisbane has experienced supercell events in the past, like the November 2014 storm that caused widespread damage across the city.
East Coast Lows
These intense low-pressure systems typically form off the coast and can hang around for days. They’re less common in Brisbane than further south, but when they do hit, they can cause heavy rain, coastal erosion, and strong winds — especially around the bay.
Where to Find Storm Warnings for Brisbane?
Weather can change fast, so it’s important to stay in the loop, especially during storm season (typically October to April). Here are the primary channels to receive accurate and timely storm warnings in Brisbane:
Bureau of Meteorology (BoM)
The BoM is Australia’s official weather authority. Their Queensland Warnings Summary page offers up-to-date alerts on severe weather, including thunderstorms, cyclones, and flood warnings. You can also access detailed forecasts and radar images to track storm developments.
Bookmark the BoM website or download the BOM Weather app to get alerts straight to your phone.
Brisbane City Council’s Severe Weather Alert Service
For localised alerts, the Brisbane City Council provides a free Severe Weather Alert Service. By registering your address, you can receive SMS, email, or voice message alerts specific to your area, covering events like severe storms, flooding, and cyclones.
Have the Brisbane City Council Emergency Dashboard page bookmarked as well. It shows live warnings from the BoM and includes road closures, power outages, and emergency services notices. It also provides links to evacuation centres and recovery contacts.
Get Ready Queensland
This initiative by the Queensland Government offers comprehensive information on preparing for natural disasters. Their Storm, Flood and Cyclone Warnings page consolidates alerts and provides guidance on how to respond to different types of severe weather.
Weather Apps and Services
Several weather apps provide real-time alerts and forecasts:
AccuWeather: Offers detailed forecasts and severe weather warnings for Brisbane.
WeatherZone: Provides localised weather updates and alerts.
The Weather Channel: Features interactive radar maps and storm tracking.Local News and Radio
Local News and Radio
ABC Radio Brisbane (612 AM) and stations like 4BC often provide live updates during storm events. If the power goes out or your internet drops, keeping a battery-powered radio handy can be a real lifesaver.
How Can You Prepare for Brisbane Storms?
You can’t stop a storm from rolling in, but you can definitely be ready for it. Having a solid plan in place can go a long way in keeping you, your family, and your property safe. Here’s how you can get storm-ready in Brisbane:
Put Together an Emergency Kit
Don’t wait until the storm’s overhead to start scrambling for supplies. A good emergency kit should include:
A torch and spare batteries
Portable phone chargers or power banks
First aid supplies
Bottled water and non-perishable food
Important documents (stored in a waterproof bag)
A battery-powered radio for updates
Store your kit somewhere easy to grab — and make sure everyone in your household knows where it is.
Prepare Your Property
Take some simple steps now to help protect your home when storms roll in. Start by giving your roof a once-over — look for any damage or loose tiles and get them fixed early. Consider installing protective covers to protect solar panels from hail storm damage if you have them.
Next, check your gutters and downpipes. Clearing out leaves and debris means rainwater can drain properly, reducing the risk of overflow or water damage. It’s also a good idea to trim back overhanging branches, especially those near your roof or power lines, as they can snap off and cause serious damage in high winds.
Good home safety preparation for electrical storms also means securing loose items in your backyard. Anything that isn’t fixed in place, like furniture, toys, or garden tools, can become a hazard. Bring them indoors or tie them down before the weather turns. Also consider installing surge protectors to avoid damage from lightning strikes.
Know Your Flood Risk
Flash flooding is common during heavy Brisbane storms. Check the Brisbane City Council’s flood awareness map to see if your home is in a flood-prone area. If you are, have a plan to move valuables and vehicles to higher ground early — don’t leave it too late.
With a powerful 3600W continuous output (and 7200W surge), the DELTA Pro can handle everything from your fridge and Wi-Fi to air conditioning units and washing machines. Its 3.6kWh base capacity is enough to keep essentials going for hours — and it’s expandable up to 25kWh if you need even more runtime.
For larger households, you can also pair two units and integrate them directly into your home circuits with EcoFlow’s Smart Home Panel, giving you near-instant switchover when the grid goes down.
Charging is incredibly fast — just 1.9 hours from the wall — and it’s also solar-ready, making it a great sustainable backup option. Pair it with the EcoFlow 400W Portable Solar Panel for recharging even during longer blackouts. The solar panels are built tough, waterproof (IP68 rated), and come with an adjustable angle for efficient charging, rain or shine.
Develop an Emergency Plan
Have an emergency plan to ensure everyone in your household knows what to do when a storm hits. Establish how your family members will contact each other if separated. Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and set a safe meeting point. Don’t forget your pets in your plan, such as identifying pet-friendly shelters.
Safety Measures You Should Take During a Storm
When a Brisbane storm hits, things can escalate quickly — so it’s important to know exactly what to do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Once warnings are issued or you start to notice conditions worsening, act early and take these safety steps:
1. Stay Indoors and Away from Windows
Strong winds and flying debris are serious hazards during storms. Stay inside, close all windows and doors, and keep away from glass panels, skylights, or anything that could shatter. Draw curtains or blinds as an extra layer of protection.
2. Unplug Electrical Devices
Lightning strikes can cause power surges that damage your electronics, or worse, start fires. Unplug your TV, computer, kitchen appliances, and other devices. If you’re using a landline, avoid touching it during the storm (yes, lightning really can travel through phone lines).
3. Avoid Using Water
This one surprises a lot of people, but using taps, showers, or any plumbing during a lightning storm can be dangerous. Water pipes can conduct electricity if your home is struck, so it’s best to wait it out.
4. Don’t Drive Unless You Absolutely Have To
If you’re already on the road when the storm hits, pull over safely and wait it out. Never drive through floodwaters, even if it looks shallow. It only takes 15 cm of water to float a small car, and many flood-related rescues in Brisbane happen because drivers take the risk.
5. Listen for Updates
Keep a battery-powered radio or your phone (if charged) nearby for official warnings or updates from the BoM, the Brisbane City Council, or Queensland Emergency Services. Don’t rely on just one source — apps, radio, and social media all play a role during fast-moving storm events.
What Should You Follow After a Storm?
Once the worst has passed, it can be tempting to just breathe a sigh of relief and get back to normal. But there are still some important steps to follow to stay safe and avoid further damage or risk.
Here’s what to do after a Brisbane storm:
1. Check for Damage – Safely
Before stepping outside, make sure it’s actually safe to do so. Look for fallen powerlines, broken glass, damaged roofs, and floodwater. If anything looks dangerous, stay put and call emergency services or your insurer for advice.
2. Avoid Floodwater
Streets and parks can flood fast, and that water isn’t clean. It can hide debris, open drains, or electrical hazards. Keep kids and pets away and never walk or drive through flood-affected areas until authorities say it’s safe.
3. Report Hazards
If you see a blocked drain, fallen tree, or damaged powerline, report it to Brisbane City Council or Energex as soon as possible. These small reports help crews respond faster and prevent bigger problems later on.
4. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Take photos of any damage and lodge your claim as soon as you can. The earlier you report it, the sooner repairs can be organised, especially during busy storm seasons when insurers receive high volumes of claims.
5. Check In on Neighbours
If it’s safe, see how your neighbours are doing, especially if they’re elderly or living alone. Storm recovery often brings out the best in Brisbane’s community spirit, and a simple check-in can mean the world to someone else.
6. Stay Updated and Follow Council Alerts
Continue monitoring the Brisbane Emergency Dashboard for road closures, clean-up operations, or further weather warnings. Storm systems may bring secondary risks even after the initial event.
Conclusion
Storms are part of life in Brisbane, but being caught off guard doesn’t have to be. Whether it’s a fast-moving summer storm or something more severe like Cyclone Alfred, staying alert and knowing what to do can make all the difference. Keep an eye on warnings, get your storm kit sorted early, secure your property, and check in on neighbours when you can. Together, we can navigate Brisbane storm season with resilience and care.
FAQs
What is the storm season in Brisbane?
Storm season in Brisbane typically runs from November to April, with the peak risk around December and January. During this time, expect frequent thunderstorms, hailstorms, and even the occasional cyclonic influence.
How can I receive storm warnings for Brisbane?
You can receive storm warnings for Brisbane by signing up for the Brisbane City Council’s Early Warning Alert Service, downloading the BOM Weather app, and following the Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland and Brisbane City Council on social media. You can also tune in to local radio stations like ABC Radio Brisbane (612 AM) for live updates during severe weather.
What should I include in a storm emergency kit?
Your emergency kit should include water, food, a torch, a radio, a first-aid kit, a waterproof document holder, extra batteries and phone chargers, a portable power station, blankets, spare clothes, and any necessary medications.