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Severe Weather Warning

HomeWeatherSevere Weather Warning

Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Coast Pulse Hub Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.

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A severe weather warning means destructive winds, heavy rain or dangerous surf are expected within hours — check the live ranking above and your local weather radar before making travel or outdoor plans.

What does a severe weather warning cover?

The Bureau of Meteorology issues a severe weather warning when non-cyclonic conditions threaten life or property. The live ranking above lists all active warnings — consult it before relying on any single forecast.

  • Hazards include damaging winds, abnormally high tides, heavy rainfall causing flash flooding and dangerous surf
  • A severe weather warning nsw today or severe weather warning victoria today typically covers a broad region — check the accompanying map for your exact suburb
  • Lead time ranges from hours to minutes depending on the system; warnings for east coast lows often allow more preparation than fast-moving thunderstorms
  • If a severe weather warning south australia today appears in the live ranking, your local BOM district page shows the detailed severe weather warning nsw today map equivalent for that state

How should you prepare when a warning is active?

Treat every warning as genuine — conditions can escalate faster than models predict. The live ranking above updates in real time as warnings are added, amended or cancelled.

  • Secure outdoor furniture, trampolines and loose items that could become projectiles in damaging winds
  • Delay travel if you are near flooded roads or exposed coastal routes — a storm warning melbourne today or super storm warning for qld today means conditions may deteriorate quickly
  • Charge phones and power banks; keep an emergency kit with torch, radio and first-aid supplies within reach
  • A severe weather warning victoria tomorrow may shift its focus as the system tracks east — check the live ranking again in the morning before setting out
Issued byBureau of Meteorology (BOM), Australian Government
Typical lead time1 to 6 hours for most severe weather events
Common hazardsDamaging winds, heavy rain, flash flooding, dangerous surf, abnormally high tides
Most active seasonOctober to April (spring–autumn) for thunderstorms; June–August for winter storms in the south
What is the difference between a severe weather warning and a cyclone warning?

A severe weather warning covers non-cyclonic hazards such as thunderstorms, cold fronts and east coast lows. Cyclone warnings are a separate BOM category issued only when a tropical cyclone threatens land.

How often are severe weather warnings updated?

BOM reviews and updates warnings every 30 to 60 minutes during an active event, or immediately if new radar data shows conditions worsening faster than expected.

Should I evacuate when a severe weather warning is issued?

Only if the warning explicitly advises evacuation or you are in a known flood-prone or landslide-prone area. Otherwise, shelter in place and avoid unnecessary travel until the warning is cancelled.