Your First Storm Season
Published on 03 November 2025
The sun is out and temperatures are climbing heading into summer, but here in Queensland November actually marks the beginning of our storm season.
If you’ve recently moved here from elsewhere in the country, it can be unusual to experience wet weather and storms at this time of year so it pays to spend a few moments to understand Queensland’s climate, plan ahead and ensure your new home is protected.
What to expect
Preparation is key when it comes to storm season
Like everywhere in Australia, the Rockhampton Region isn’t immune to severe weather events but it’s important to remember that our community is well prepared to respond to these events. You can play your part by understanding the risks where you live and taking steps to protect your property.
While severe weather is possible at any time of the year, November through to April tends to be the wettest period of the year in the Rockhampton Region. During this time we can experience heavy rainfall (which can lead to flooding) and, although relatively rare, tropical cyclones.
- Storms can bring heavy rainfall, lightning strikes and hail with the possibility of flash flooding is low-lying areas.
- Rivers and creeks can break their banks following heavy rain in Rockhampton or across the broader Fitzroy River basin.
- Cyclones are rare in Rockhampton compared to other regions of north Queensland, however pose the most significant risk to property.
What are the risks?
When talking about storm season, wild weather or natural disasters it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Natural disasters are a normal part of living in Australia, so it pays to take a calm and measured approach to the issue.
The Rockhampton Region Hazard Risk Profile below gives you an idea of which disasters the region may be exposed to. The green represents events which are considered ‘unlikely’ with a 15 to 10% chance of occurring during any given year. The orange represents events which are likely to experience at least once every 10 years.
The risk of a disaster may not be the same across the entire region (as an obvious example, a bushfire is more likely in our rural areas than the CBD) so if you’re moving here, a quick analysis of your surroundings and familiarisation with flood maps will help you understand risks exactly where you live.
Don't panic, be prepared
Natural disasters are part of living in Australia, regardless of where you may live – so there’s no need to panic. Instead, now is the time to prepare for what our region could experience over the coming months.
By preparing your family and property now, you’ll be as prepared as possible should severe weather strike.
Typically, you’ll want to consider and prepare a:
- Household Emergency and Evacuation Plan so you and your family know exactly what to do in the leadup to a severe weather event
- An emergency kit you can quickly grab if you need to evacuate or become isolated
- Checklist of home maintenance ahead of storm season, and what you’ll do to protect your home in the event of an emergency
- Evacuation Plan and kit for your pets
Rockhampton Regional Council provides detailed information on these items, with specific information tailored to a variety of natural disasters which we may encounter in our climate.
Stay informed, stay safe
Council's Emergency Dashboard is a wealth of information during a disaster
In an emergency, it’s vital to stay connected to reputable and official sources of information. These resources provide up-to-date and accurate data and warnings in the lead up to an event, right through to the recovery phase.
Rockhampton Regional Council’s Emergency Dashboard is a central point for information during an emergency and includes details on weather warnings, road closures, power outages, evacuations and planning.
The Disaster Dashboard includes an interactive map, as well as a registration form to receive notifications via SMS or email.
The Queensland Government Disaster Management website and Queensland Fire Department also provide information to keep you informed on what’s happening around you.
Local radio stations ABC Capricornia (837AM), 4RO (990AM), Triple M (101.5FM) and Hit (107.9) may also provide updates if you’re unable to connect to the internet.
Recovery
Rockhampton comes together to lend a hand during an emergency
Natural disasters can take a physical, mental and financial toll on you.
In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, it’s critical to remain clear of any evacuated areas and take extra precautions when venturing outside – look out for flood water, fallen powerlines, and displaced animals.
You’ll also want to shut of access to any damaged utilities and avoid eating contaminated food or water.
Thankfully, Council and emergency services have a suite a well-rehearsed procedures to help the community get back on its feet so you can focus on your property and your loved ones.
Head over to the Rockhampton Regional Council website for details.
Want more information?
As we’ve said already, every disaster is different and the risk where you live will vary. Council’s Disaster Management Team has a range of resources to help you understand our local environment, so you’ll be as ready as possible in the event of an emergency.
Rockhampton is a wonderful place to live, surrounded by natural beauty but like anywhere else, we aren’t immune to wild weather.
What we can offer is a community well-planned for disasters and ready to lend a hand to neighbours and strangers in need of assistance.