Thunderstorm warnings in Australia: How to check local alerts and stay safe, November 7, 2026

Information checked: November 7, 2026, at 5:11 a.m. UTC (UTC+00:00).

Australians looking for a thunderstorm warning should check the Bureau of Meteorology’s warnings and alerts page or the BOM Weather app for their specific location. Severe storms can develop quickly and bring damaging winds, large hail or flash flooding, so read the full warning and follow instructions from local emergency services.

The search trend does not identify an affected town or state, and the live warning list could not be independently confirmed at the time of this check. Do not assume a warning is in force—or that your area is clear—based on the search trend. Check the live source, including any flood or severe weather warnings, before traveling or heading outdoors.

Destaques

• Search for your suburb or postcode on the Bureau’s website, then open any current warning for its map, hazards and advice.
• Enable severe thunderstorm notifications in the BOM Weather app for up to three Australian locations.
• Move inside a substantial building or hard-top vehicle when a storm approaches, and stay away from floodwater.
• Call Triple Zero (000) in a life-threatening emergency; for storm or flood assistance, contact your state or territory emergency service.

How can I check thunderstorm warnings for my area?

On the Bureau’s website, search for your location by name or postcode, or use the current-location option if your device permits it. On the location page, look for the current warnings bar and open the warning title. You can also select the warning icon or choose your state or territory from the current warnings section. The Bureau’s guide to finding warnings explains each route.

Read more than the headline. Check the issue time, the shaded warning area, the places and hazards named in the text, and the expected time of the next update. A warning for a broad forecast district does not mean every place in that district will experience the same conditions. Conversely, a storm can move or intensify, so refresh the page and check again as conditions change.

In the BOM Weather app, search for a location and tap a warning banner to read its details. You can also choose the warnings layer on the map. To set notifications, open the app menu, select Notifications, allow device notifications if prompted, add a location and choose the warnings you want. The Bureau says the app and website publish the same warnings at the same time. Its app help page provides setup instructions.

What does a severe thunderstorm warning mean?

The Bureau issues a severe thunderstorm warning when a severe storm is occurring, likely or reported, or when an existing storm is likely to become severe. Depending on the storm, the warning may identify large hail, damaging winds, heavy rain that could cause flash flooding, or tornadoes. These are potential hazards in the warned area; a forecast does not establish that every listed impact has already occurred.

Regional warnings identify broad areas where severe thunderstorms are occurring or may occur within the next three hours. More detailed warnings are also available for some areas. Both types include affected locations, the hazards, issue and update information, and recommended actions. The Bureau explains its severe thunderstorm warning services and their limitations.

Not every thunderstorm receives a severe thunderstorm warning. All thunderstorms produce lightning, so the absence of a severe warning is not a guarantee that outdoor conditions are safe. Warning coverage may also be more limited in remote areas where monitoring data is scarce.

What should you do before and during a thunderstorm?

If there is time before the storm arrives, bring pets inside, secure loose outdoor objects, park vehicles under solid shelter if practical, and charge your phone. Keep essential medication and an emergency kit accessible. Check the forecast and warnings for home, work and any route you plan to take.

When a storm approaches, shelter inside a substantial building, away from windows, doors and skylights. If you are outdoors, move immediately to a solid building or hard-top vehicle. Do not shelter under a tree, and avoid metal fences, poles and open structures. Leave swimming areas and get off the water.

If you are driving, slow down and, if necessary, pull over somewhere safe away from trees, power lines and low-lying areas. Never drive, walk or ride through floodwater: its depth, speed and the condition of the road underneath may be unclear. The NSW State Emergency Service’s storm guidance also recommends monitoring local conditions and reconsidering travel during storms.

What happens next if conditions change?

Continue checking the latest Bureau warning and your state or territory emergency service for local instructions. Emergency agencies may issue their own warnings and practical directions based on the threat to communities. In New South Wales, for example, the SES uses the Australian Warning System and advises residents to monitor its warnings as well as those from the Bureau.

Radar can help show where rain has been detected, but it is not a substitute for the warning text. The Bureau notes that radar displays and short-range rain forecasts may not always match conditions on the ground. If thunder, lightning, rising water or dangerous winds reach you before a warning, act on the immediate conditions and seek shelter.

After the storm, remain alert for damaged trees, fallen power lines and flooding. Stay clear of hazards and follow local authorities’ instructions. In a life-threatening emergency, call 000. For storm and flood assistance, use your local emergency service; NSW SES lists 132 500 for assistance in that state.

Frequently asked questions

Will my phone automatically receive every thunderstorm warning?

Do not rely on that. Set your locations and warning preferences in the BOM Weather app, allow notifications on your device, and check official sources directly when conditions threaten.

Does a thunderstorm forecast mean a severe warning is active?

No. A forecast describes expected conditions; a severe thunderstorm warning identifies a more specific severe threat. Check the current warning itself for the area, hazards and timing.

Is it safe to go outside if there is no warning?

Not necessarily. Storms can develop quickly, and all thunderstorms produce lightning. If thunder or lightning is nearby, seek a solid building or hard-top vehicle.