Statistically, lightning poses a greater threat to individuals than most other natural hazards. Severe Storms Statistically, lightning poses a greater threat to individuals than most other natural hazards. On average lightning causes 5 to 10 deaths and over 100 injuries in Australia each year. Severe storms can occur anywhere in Australia and cause more damage than any other natural hazard. Severe storms normally occur in localised areas and don't usually affect areas as large as cyclones or floods.
Severe storms are the most frequently occurring hazard in Australia, particularly Queensland.
Most severe storms in Queensland occur between the months of September to March, and can be divided into two categories - severe thunderstorms and land gales. Severe Thunderstorms Severe thunderstorms develop when dense, cold air overlies less dense, warm, moist air. They are triggered by solar heat, a front or a trough. Strong rising currents of air develop and heat energy stored in the air and water vapour is converted into electrical energy. When the atmosphere is particularly unstable and the wind flow provides an efficient input of energy to a growing cloud, a severe thunderstorm develops with accompanying up-draughts and down draughts.