SKIES may be clear over much of the Hunter, but potentially volatile weather and a brutal summer on the horizon have sparked a warning for Hunter residents.
The NSW State Emergency Service urged residents in the Hunter and Central Coast to avoid complacency before the storm season begins in September.
Across the northern zone, crews last season dealt with 3000 storm-related incidents.
Data supplied to the Newcastle Herald shows more than 1200 of those hit in the Hunter, with another 1072 in Gosford.
Newcastle copped 440 incidents between September 2025 and April 2026, while there were 313 in Cessnock and 186 in Maitland.
This season looms as even more unpredictable thanks to the El Nino weather pattern, which the SES warns can deliver dangerous storms, damaging winds, intense rain, large hail and flash floods.
Trampolines and outdoor furniture can quickly become dangerous projectiles in wild weather, authorities warn.
"Incident numbers show how quickly storms can affect communities across NSW, and what we are seeing is a pattern of more complex and changing weather," NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing said.
"Even in years where drier conditions may be expected, we can see severe storms with damaging and destructive winds, large hail, intense rainfall and localised flooding.
"That's why preparation is critical, because the risks can change quickly."
NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the previous season was "one of the busiest years on record for the NSW SES".
"We're urging communities to stay alert and take practical steps now," he said.
"Preparation is one of the most effective ways people can protect their homes and their families.
"Now is the time to act, not after warnings are issued."
Authorities have urged residents to download the Hazards Near Me app for real-time warnings in situations when conditions can change quickly.
Bureau of Meteorology acting manager hazard preparedness and response Max Gonzalez said the long-range forecast showed "a dry signal".
That means below-average rainfall in the beginning of string.
Coastal areas looked more variable, Mr Gonzalez said, due to warm sea surface temperatures in the Tasman.
"This means individual coastal troughs and thunderstorms can interrupt this dry period, with potential hazards of heavy rainfall, damaging winds, large hail and flash flooding during these outbreaks," he said.
"For the longer-term picture moving into summer, we will need to monitor the short-range signals and update how climate influences may impact rainfall, fire weather and thunderstorm outbreaks."
Storm safety advice from NSW SES:
For emergency help call the NSW SES on 132 500 or Triple Zero (000).
