THE first long-range weather predictions are starting to come through, and meteorologists are telling us that storms are becoming more frequent and more forceful.
If the experts have it right, this Summer will be no different.
The early weather reports for the coming months show the onset of a “la nina” weather system forming off the coast late in the year and easing off January and February.
It would be the second year running that we’ve seen a wet season, and if last year was any indication, we can expect some erratic weather.
That’s not to be alarmed.
However, the local SES is starting to prepare for yet another summer of unpredictable and potentially damaging storms, the state government is looking to fund programs which help people get prepared, and insurance companies are starting to launch their usual warnings.
It sounds like a broken record. Clean your gutters, ensure the yard is removed of loose debris, trim dangerous branches from trees, the list of clean-up measures goes on.
It’s a Queensland thing, and one most of us are familiar with.
But therein can lie the danger – that we’re so aware of the conditions and what we should be preparing for that complacency creeps in.
While hail storms similar to those experienced by the western side of the city last year are difficult to protect against, it certainly pays to undertake the types of safeguards which are within our control.
And the time to do it, according to those who know best, is now.
