Lismore and Banora Point have both topped the list of NSW storm hotspots, and Grafton has featured too, with new insurance data showing the worst-hit spot moves every year.
AAMI analysed more than 97,000 NSW severe-weather home insurance claims over the past five years, and found that severe storms do not have a permanent postcode.
The Northern Rivers, Hunter and Central Coast have all emerged as major storm hotspots at different times, with impacts dominated by a combination of storm, flood, hail, lightning, rain and wind damage.
The state’s leading hotspot changed every year. In FY22, driven by the devastating February and March 2022 floods, Lismore took the top spot. Belmont led in FY23 after a series of severe summer storms, and Rutherford in FY24 after repeated storm and hail events.
The focus swung back north in FY25, when Banora Point topped the list following severe thunderstorms, flash flooding and hail. In FY26, Gwandalan ranked first, while Grafton and Kingswood also featured prominently.
Some communities keep coming back. Gwandalan, Erina and Bateau Bay on the Central Coast each featured among the leading hotspots over multiple years.
“Five years of claims data tells us one thing very clearly: no New South Wales community should assume it is immune from severe storm impacts,” said Suncorp Insurance Executive General Manager Home Insurance Anna Cartwright.
“Some regions appear in our claims data repeatedly, while others can move from outside the top position one year to becoming the leading hotspot the next.”
“The lesson is not to focus only on which suburb topped the list last year. It’s that every household should prepare for severe storm before it arrives.”
The findings back up AAMI’s Spring FY27 Seasonal Outlook. It notes that significant weather activity may be less frequent than normal this season, but severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, hail and heavy rainfall are still expected across NSW.
“A quieter season does not mean a risk-free season,” said Suncorp Severe Weather Forecaster Justin Noonan.
“While this Spring is expected to be less active than normal, New South Wales communities can still expect severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall.”
AAMI says the broader lesson is not about predicting the next hotspot, but about taking practical steps now. Its tips include:
- Inspecting your roof and repairing damaged or loose tiles, eaves and fittings.
- Securing or putting away loose items around your backyard or balcony.
- Trimming trees and branches that could fall onto your home or car, taking care around powerlines.
- Cleaning gutters, downpipes and drains of leaves and debris.
- Parking vehicles under cover, or away from trees, powerlines and waterways if cover is unavailable.
- Preparing an emergency kit with essential supplies, medications, important documents, a torch and batteries.
NSW SES Acting Commissioner Daniel Austin said forecast variability reinforced the need for communities to stay vigilant.
“Even in years where drier conditions may be expected, we can still see severe storms with damaging and destructive winds, large hail, intense rainfall and localised flooding,” Acting Commissioner Austin said.
“Preparation is one of the most effective ways people can protect their homes and their families.”
“The Hazards Near Me app, Hazard Watch and the NSW SES website provide real-time updates and tailored alerts.”
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