Thunderstorms regularly occur across Australia. But what makes a thunderstorm severe? What sets severe thunderstorms apart is their higher risk of impacts to people and property.

They are classified as severe if they are producing or expected to produce at least one of four hazards, including:

Damaging winds above 90 km/h. Heavy rain leading to flash flooding. Large hail that is greater than 2 cm in diameter. And tornadoes. When these are expected or being observed, the bureau will issue a severe thunderstorm warning.

Some thunderstorms may produce higher end hazards, including destructive winds above 125 km/h. Intense rain leading to life threatening flash flooding and giant hail greater than 5 cm in diameter.

Knowing when a severe thunderstorm is approaching your location is important. You can stay up to date by checking our website, or by having notifications enabled on the BOM Weather app.