Wild weather causes record damage to Illawarra homes in spring

Home insurance claims data released by NRMA Insurance shows NSW recorded nearly 10,000 home claims for wild weather in spring 2021 - a record number for spring.

Over half were the result of hail.

There was also a record number of motor claims caused by wild weather, with 15,702 claims received in Spring - 25 per cent above the spring average.

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The most impacted suburbs in the Illawarra region during spring 2021 were Figtree, Berkeley and then Helensburgh, Shell Cove and Woonona, which were equally affected.

Albion Park took out top spot for the NSW suburb most affected by storm and hail damage over winter, and came in fifth for most impacted suburb in the state over the last year, according to NRMA insurance claims data.

On August 24, SES volunteers responded to almost 600 calls for assistance across the Illawarra.

Several homes lost their rooves completely.

A survey of 1000 NSW residents found 67 per cent are worried natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe; 69 per cent are worried severe weather is becoming more unpredictable in NSW and 73 per cent believe climate change is making severe weather and natural disasters worse.

Half said they took steps during spring to prepare their home and family for severe weather while 61 per cent say they plan to take steps to prepare in summer

It also found the broader Illawarra and South Coast region is the seventh best prepared region in the state and is feeling better prepared now than in winter.

NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York said there were some easy ways people can prepare for the wild weather likely over summer.

"This includes having an emergency kit ready, knowing what your evacuation plan is, and even having a plan for your animals - big or small," she said.

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