LA NIÑA

BEING PREPARED FOR AN EXTREME WEATHER EVENT

By Chris O’Connell, Midland Insurance

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has declared a La Nina’ ALERT’ status is officially underway for the first time in almost 10 years. The last La Niña event stretched from 2010 to 2012 and resulted in one of Australia’s wettest two-year periods.

A La Niña alert typically means the northern and eastern parts of Australia are likely to see more (and heavier) rainfall during this years’ summer months, as well as an increased risk of flooding and tropical cyclones. La Niña events have different impacts on New Zealand’s climate. More north-easterly winds are characteristic, which tend to bring moist, rainy conditions to the northeast of the North Island, and reduced rainfall to the south and south–west of the South Island.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

l Increased rainfall across much of

Australia l The chance for sub-tropical or tropical disturbances will increase in New Zealand l Cooler daytime temperatures (southern) l Warmer overnight temperatures (north) l A shift in temperature extremes l Decreased frost risk l Greater tropical cyclone numbers l Earlier monsoon onset KEY POINTS:

l The BOM in Australia has confirmed a La Niña weather pattern will develop over this years’ summer months, meaning we can expect an increased chance of flooding and tropical cyclones. l Plan – prepare your home and your storage business, to ensure everything is protected from any potential extreme weather events. l Check your insurance policy to ensure you’re adequately covered, especially exposure to storm and flood events. With this increased risk in mind, homeowners and business owners across high-risk regions need to place awareness and preparation as a top priority to help protect against a potential extreme weather event. There are a couple of the BOM’s outlook maps below, or head to www.bom.gov. au/climate/outlooks where you can also find a Climate & Water Outlook video and if you are in New Zealand head to www.niwa.co.nz/climate/ seasonal-climate-outlook/seasonalclimate-outlook-november-january-2021

As the reality of climate change starts to really hit home, it’s no

BOM Rainfall Outlook – probability of rainfall in mm (December 2020 – February 2021)

longer safe to make decisions on the basis that an extraordinary event is unlikely to happen. Below are some preventative steps you can take to help better protect your home and/ or business in the case of a flood or cyclone event.

YOUR INSURANCE POLICY:

l Review your cover to make sure you have adequate insurance in place, especially your exposure to storm and flood as it may be excluded under standard wordings. l Assess your flood exposure. l Take a close look at your policy exclusions, especially flood. l Consider business interruption insurance — are you covered should you need to close your business?

YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS:

l Get a building inspection and follow the recommendations. l Maintain roofs and guttering and ensure your buildings are watertight. Reducing the likelihood of damage is important. l Place stock and electrical equipment above the recommended level to avoid water damage. l If you have a basement, install a submersible pump. l Check drainage on your property.

Your council should also be keeping water channels clear. l Consult with your local council. l Physically prepare your home and business for severe weather. l Develop an evacuation plan for you, your employees and your family. l

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/outlooks/#/rainfall/median/seasonal/0

BOM Rainfall Outlook – the chance of exceeding median rainfall % (December 2020 – February 2021)

EMERGENCY SERVICES: Information and resources to help you plan and take practical actions to protect your assets and understand the risks: VIC: www.ses.vic.gov.au/get-ready/stormsafe NSW: www.ses.nsw.gov.au/disaster-tabs-header/storm/ QLD: www.getready.qld.gov.au/ SA: www.ses.sa.gov.au/site/storm.jsp TAS: www.ses.tas.gov.au/plan-prepare/storm/ WA: www.dfes.wa.gov.au/safetyinformation/storm/Pages/default.aspx NT: www.securent.nt.gov.au/prepare-for-an-emergency New Zealand: www.niwa.co.nz/climate/seasonal-climate-outlook

Sources: www.sbs.com.au/news/ there-s-a-70-per-cent-chance-la-ninawill-develop-in-australia-this-year-here-swhat-it-means#:~:text=The%20six%20 wettest%20winter%2Dspring,3%20x%20the%20usual%20chance. www.bom.gov.au/climate/enso/ www.argusmedia.com/en/ news/2133607-australia-raises-la-ninaweather-event-to-70pc-chance www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-18/bomdeclares-la-nina-alert/12569630 www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-29/ bom-declares-la-nina-wet-conditionslikely-for-eastern-australia/12617528 www.niwa.co.nz/climate/ seasonal-climate-outlook/seasonalclimate-outlook-november-january-2021 www.metservice.com/

Thank you SSAA Members!