Electrical Storm Statistics Australia -

Most thunderstorms occur in Australia’s northern sections and decline in prevalence when moving southward until southeast Tasmania, where strikes are least common. The Total Lightning Network documented around 300,000 lightning strikes across southeastern Australia and above its surrounding waters during August 2024. Most of these strikes were observed within every Australian state and territory.

Thunderstorms are dangerous to the electrical systems of houses and businesses. The surges of these storms can destroy expensive electrical equipment. Moreover, short-circuiting resulting from water damage can equally be fatal in case of electric shock or electrocution.

Before the storm, contacting a licensed electrician is best to ensure your home is safe from any electrical emergencies. Local Electrician Sydney ensures your house is storm-ready. We inspect electrical systems for exposed wires or loose connections that can increase the risk of electrical fires. Likewise, we advise securing outdoor electrical systems to prevent injuries and further property damage.

How Common Are Electrical Storms in Australia?

Severe thunderstorms can occur at any time of year, mostly between September and March, when solar energy is the most powerful. Cold fronts linked to severe winter storms are frequent in the southwest of Western Australia and Southeast South Australia. Severe thunderstorms diminish in the south during winter and in the north during the dry season.

In the tropics, meteorological conditions prefer thunderstorms in the warmer months, stretching from October to March. It’s because moisture is generally abundant in these months, especially in the coastal areas.

Maximum thunderstorm frequency is around Darwin, where thunderstorms are less frequent in Victoria, Tasmania, and the southern regions of Western Australia and South Australia. New South Wales is known to experience a greater frequency of both warm and cool-season thunderstorms.

Impact and Damage Caused by Storms

Electrical storms in Australia are capable of causing enormous disruption and damage to infrastructure, followed by homes, agriculture and the environment, incurring significant economic costs. They can result in power outages, structural damage and ignite fires, impacting different sectors and making overall life difficult for communities.

Notable Cost Estimates and Insurance Claims

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) reports that insured losses from Ex-TC Jasper have already passed $202 million from more than 8,000 claims. Christmas and New Year storms across the country are expected to cost $541 million across some 71,000 claims.

Aon’s 2024 Climate and Catastrophe Insights Report notes that Cyclone Jasper resulted in an economic impact of AU$1.02 billion, while intense thunderstorms over the Christmas period generated over 65,000 insurance claims, resulting in a further $952 million in financial losses.

On the other hand, the 2022 South-East Queensland and New South Wales floods were the costliest extreme weather event in Australia’s history, at $6 billion in insured losses. These floods led to over 246,000 claims, most of them for damage to homes, exceeding $6.37 billion.

Top Regions for Lightning Activity

Each year, lightning strikes every state and territory across Australia. However, some regions are considerably stormier than others. The highest lightning density occurs over the western Top End, east of Wadeye, where nearly 200 lightning pulses occur for every square kilometre per year. Total flash density is high in northern Australia and decreases southward into central and southern Australia.

Darwin is Australia’s capital city, mostly frequented by storms, with about 54 lightning pulses per square kilometre a year. Other capitals with high lightning activity include:

Brisbane (26)
Sydney (18)
Canberra (16)
Melbourne (8)
Perth (4)
Adelaide (3)
Hobart (1)

Always check local weather advisories if you live in high-risk areas. These advisories represent timely information on potentially life and property-threatening weather systems on the horizon. This allows you and your community to take protective measures that are appropriate and timely to avoid harm where possible.

Essential Safety Tips During an Electrical Storm

Here are some helpful do’s and don’ts for you to follow for you and your family’s safety during an electrical storm:

What to Do:

Stay informed about the latest news
Secure your property
Keep a torch and radio handy
Install safety switches
Use surge protectors
Unplug appliances
Have a backup power source
Prioritise going indoors
Stay away from electricity and water
Inspect for damage
Call professionals

What Not to Do:

Stay away from a fallen power line
Don’t use landline telephones
Don’t swim in flooded areas
Do not touch compromised electrical equipment
Don’t use devices during storms
Avoid using electrical equipment in damp locations
Don’t do DIY electrical work
Don’t use generators indoors
Don’t touch metal surfaces
Don’t reconnect if the roof is damaged
Don’t enter flooded areas
Don’t lie on the floor and lean against a concrete wall
Avoid the shelter of an isolated tree
Avoid using water-damaged equipment
Don’t manually connect generators
Don’t use waterlogged appliances

A professional electrician ensures your home is storm-proof and impacts are minimised. He provides various services, from installing surge protectors to checking wiring and recommending backup power options.

How Local Electrician Sydney Can Help

After a severe storm, it’s necessary to consult a licensed electrician to ensure safety and avoid possible electrical hazards. He has the expertise and skills to identify hidden damages to your electrical system due to electrical storms.

Local Electrician Sydney installs and oversees the maintenance of safety switches, which are essential in preventing electrocution. We repair or replace damaged electrical systems, including water-damaged wiring and faulty breakers. Moreover, we perform detailed assessments to uncover risks not necessarily out in the open.

Call us at 02 9119 1344 and get a FREE electrical inspection. We service 24/7 to protect your home, business, or property from fire hazards. Our efficient and reliable services cover Campbelltown, Castle Hill, Kingswood, Emu Plains, Liverpool, Marsden Park, Penrith, Seven Hills, and Wollongong.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many lightning strikes hit Australia each year?

In the initial 42 days of 2025, AccuWeather logged over 10 million lightning strikes across Australia, 7 million of those ground strikes. In January of 2025, over 250,000 strikes were recorded across 26 hours during an intense storm in New South Wales.

2. What’s the best way to protect my home’s electrical system?

Plan for the best protection of your home’s electrical system by adding surge protection devices, having an electrical safety code in place, and taking measures to protect your home from storm and water damage.

3. Should I unplug all my appliances during a storm?

Yes, it is best to unplug equipment during a thunderstorm because it could be subject to a trickle charge created by lightning. This can cause electrical currents to travel through power lines, damaging anything connected to the power outlet.