Running from October to March annually, Australia’s storm season is underway, and if you’re living in Belconnen, we’ve got some bad news for you.
NRMA Insurance data released today reveals eight out of Canberra’s top 10 storm affected suburbs for 2020 are in Belconnen, with the north Canberra locale holding all spots in the top five.
Canberra’s 10 most storm affected suburbs for 2020 were Aranda, Florey, Latham, MacGregor, Dunlop, Griffith, Narrabundah, Weetangera, Holt and Scullin.
Over the 2019-20 storm season the ACT experienced its most severe on record.
NRMA Insurance data showed 75% of all storm claims in 2019-20 were the result of storm damage. The five-year average for the ACT is 58%.
The data itself was highly skewed due to January’s hailstorm, which wreaked havoc on wildlife, homes and cars across the Canberra region.
According to NRMA, 96% of all ACT home claims in January were the result of the hailstorm.
February (68%) and March (49%) were also particularly bad months for storm damage home insurance claims.
To drive the point home of just how bad that hailstorm was, Jerrabomberra was the NRMA’s most storm affected town or suburb in NSW for the 2019-2020 financial year.
This report from the NRMA comes as the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) predict heavy rainfall for the ACT this Saturday, with 35 to 60 mm forecast.
BOM also advises there is a chance of a thunderstorm in the morning and afternoon.
They recommend those with existing damage from recent storm events to “endeavour” to complete maintenance in advance of the coming weather.
NRMA Insurance Executive General Manager, Claims, Luke Gallagher said with Australia currently experiencing a La Nina weather system, more severe storms and intense rain “could” hit the ACT this storm season.
“We’re urging ACT residents to put aside some time over the weekend to get ‘storm ready’ by clearing their gutters and downpipes at home.
“Gutters are one of the first parts of your home to flood in a storm so taking some time now to prepare could make a big difference when a storm hits.”
For more information on this weekend’s heavy rainfall prediction visit the ACT Emergency Service Agency’s website.
If you need assistance with damage from storms or floods call ACTSES on 132 500 – in a life-threatening emergency call Emergency Triple Zero (000).
