Home › Weather › Severe Weather Warning
Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Australia Data Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
A severe weather warning is issued by the Bureau of Meteorology when dangerous weather is expected or occurring, including damaging winds, heavy rain, hail, or storm surges. As shown in the live ranking above, the most active warnings right now are for parts of Queensland and New South Wales.
What does a severe weather warning mean for my area?
A severe weather warning means you should prepare for hazardous conditions within the next few hours to a day. For example, a severe weather warning NSW today might warn of damaging winds and large hailstones moving east, while a severe weather warning Victoria today could focus on heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding. If you’re in a warned zone, secure loose items, stay indoors, and avoid driving through floodwaters. Check the NSW weather warning page or Australia-wide warnings for the latest updates.
How is a severe weather warning different from a watch or a storm warning?
A severe weather warning is the highest level of alert for general hazardous weather, indicating that dangerous conditions are imminent or already happening. A watch is issued earlier when the risk is possible but not certain. A super storm warning for QLD today or a storm warning Melbourne today typically refers to a specific severe thunderstorm warning, which is more local and short-lived. For the most detailed, real-time information, the Weather Warning hub is your best starting point.
What should I do during a severe weather warning?
Stay indoors away from windows and trees. Avoid driving, especially in flooded areas. Charge your phone and listen to local radio or the BOM app for updates. Do not enter floodwaters.
How long does a severe weather warning last?
Most warnings are valid for 3 to 12 hours, but they can be extended or updated as the weather system moves. For example, a severe weather warning Victoria tomorrow may be issued the evening before for the following day.
Where can I see a severe weather warning map?
You can view a severe weather warning NSW today map or a severe weather warning Victoria today map on the BOM website or on Australia Weather Warnings page. These maps show colour-coded warning zones.