Severe storms in Qld do not have a permanent postcode

Severe storms don’t strike twice Five years of Suncorp claims data reveals Queensland’s top storm damage hotspots

• Severe storms don’t have a permanent postcode, with new data showing Queensland’s home claims hotspots shifting across the state over the past five years.

• Suncorp received more than 126,000 Queensland severe storm -related home claims between FY22 and FY26.

• Queensland’s leading hotspot moved from Bracken Ridge (FY22) to Maryborough (FY23), Gympie (FY24), Runaway Bay (FY25) and Manly West (FY26).

• Maryborough and Gympie feature among Queensland’s leading severe storm hotspots across multiple years.

New Suncorp Insurance analysis of more than 126,000 Queensland home insurance claims lodged between FY22 and FY26 has revealed an alarming trend: severe storms don’t have a permanent postcode.

Brisbane, the Fraser Coast, Far North Queensland and the Gold Coast have all emerged as major severe storm hotspots at different times in the past five years, with impacts dominated by a combination of storm, flood, hail, cyclone and wind damage.

Maryborough and Gympie were the only two regions to feature repeatedly among Queensland’s most impacted locations. Bracken Ridge recorded Queensland’s highest number of home extreme weather claims in FY22 with the devastating February and March flood event across Southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.

In FY23, the hotspot moved north to Maryborough following a series of severe summer storms.

In FY24, Gympie emerged as Queensland’s number one hotspot after a severe thunderstorm and hail event in December 2023. The Gold Coast, in particular Runaway Bay, became Queensland’s number one hotspot in FY25 when the region was hit by severe thunderstorms.

The following year, Manly West became the state’s leading hotspot after Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and the Southeast Queensland and Northern NSW Giant Hail Outbreak drove significant claims activity.

Queensland’s Shifting Storm Hotspots:

Natural hazard claims include storm, hail, flood, lightning, rain, cyclone and wind.

The findings reinforce insights highlighted in Suncorp’s Spring FY27 Seasonal Outlook, which notes that while significant weather activity may be less frequent than normal this season, severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, hail and heavy rainfall remain possible across Queensland.

Suncorp Executive General Manager Home Insurance Anna Cartwright said the analysis highlighted how quickly Queensland’s severe weather risk profile could change.

“Five years of claims data tells us one thing very clearly: no Queensland community should assume it’s immune to severe storm impacts,” Ms Cartwright said.

“Over the past five years we’ve seen major flooding inundate Southeast Queensland, severe storms impact communities across the Fraser Coast and Far North Queensland, and most recently Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred bring damaging winds and heavy rainfall that wreaked havoc across Southeast Queensland.

“Some communities appear in our claims data time and again, while others can go from barely featuring one year to becoming a major hotspot the next.

“The lesson isn’t to focus on which suburb topped the list last year. It’s that every Queensland household should prepare for severe storms before it arrives.”

Suncorp Severe Weather Forecaster Justin Noonan said Queenslanders should start preparing for storm season now as we move into the most active part of the severe storm season.

“While large-scale climate patterns suggest Spring is expected to be less active than normal, Queenslanders can still expect severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall.” Mr Noonan said.

“Seasonal outlooks can tell us about broad weather patterns, but they can’t tell us exactly where the next severe thunderstorm will strike. A quieter season doesn’t mean a risk-free season.

“The claims data shows severe storms can impact many different parts of Queensland, which is why preparation remains important regardless of whether your suburb has appeared on a hotspot list before.”

Queensland SES: Prepare Before Warnings Arrive

Queensland SES Acting Chief Officer Danny Baade said now is the time for Queenslanders to get ready for severe weather.

“Severe weather can impact any community, often with little warning,” Mr Baade said.

“That’s why the Queensland SES is proud to work alongside our Principal Community Partner, Suncorp Insurance, to encourage Queenslanders to take practical steps to prepare their homes and families before the higher-risk weather season reaches its peak.

“Getting ready doesn’t need to be complicated, but it is important. Know your risk, make a household emergency plan and pack an emergency kit.

“Simple actions such as clearing out gutters, securing loose outdoor items, trimming overhanging branches and checking your roof can help reduce damage and improve safety during severe weather.

“Every Queenslander has a role to play in building a more resilient community, and the best time to prepare is before warnings are issued.”