📮 Yorkeys Knob postcode: 4878

Storm Risk in Yorkeys Knob, QLD: 2026 Assessment

Yorkeys Knob, Queensland· Cairns· 4878
Notable storm risk — tropical cyclones and severe thunderstorms in summer monthsUpdated 10 Mar 2026

Storm Risk Score

3.9/10

Notable storm risk — tropical cyclones and severe thunderstorms in summer months

Key Facts

Storm Risk
Notable storm risk — tropical cyclones and severe thunderstorms in summer months
Trend
increasing
Suburb
Yorkeys Knob, QLD
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
4878
Highest high-risk exposure
14% of land (bushfire)

Storm Risk Analysis

Yorkeys Knob, Queensland, has a moderate storm risk profile. This includes exposure to severe thunderstorms, hail, damaging winds, and — in tropical regions — cyclone impacts. The applicable wind region classification under AS/NZS 1170.2 influences building design standards for Yorkeys Knob.

Severe thunderstorms affecting Yorkeys Knob can produce damaging wind gusts, large hail, and intense rainfall. The Bureau of Meteorology issues severe weather warnings for Queensland, and historical storm data helps characterise the frequency and intensity of events in the region.

CSIRO research indicates that the intensity of severe convective storms — including those producing hail and damaging winds — may increase in a warming climate. For Yorkeys Knob property owners, this reinforces the value of storm-resistant building features and comprehensive insurance.

ClimateNest provides address-level storm risk reports for Yorkeys Knob including wind zone classification, hail risk probability, and property-specific mitigation recommendations based on your building characteristics.

Yorkeys Knob sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for severe storm risk. 10.6% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk severe storm zones and 63.3% in moderate-risk zones, based on the national hazard overlay. Exposure at this scale varies street by street, which is why an address-level check matters before you buy or insure a specific property in Yorkeys Knob.

Yorkeys Knob (postcode 4878) is tracked in ClimateNest's suburb hazard model, which maps the share of the suburb's land exposed to each hazard at high and moderate levels. The suburb's highest high-risk exposures are bushfire (14% of land in high-risk zones), extreme wind (12.4% of land in high-risk zones), tropical cyclone (10.6% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Yorkeys Knob — individual properties can sit well above or below these averages, so an address-level check is recommended before buying, selling or insuring.

Local Hazard Evidence

Wind/Storm RegionHigh
Storm Risk LevelModerate
Distance to Coast0.5 km

Historical Events

2018
Minor

A severe thunderstorm brought strong winds and heavy rain to Yorkeys Knob, causing minor damage to trees and powerlines.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Improve stormwater drainage systems to reduce the risk of flash flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Protect Coastal Ecosystems

Near-term

Restore and protect mangrove forests and dunes to provide natural buffers against coastal erosion and storm surges.

Est. cost: Medium

Develop a Heatwave Management Plan

Immediate

Implement a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Raise Awareness of Climate Risks

Long-term

Educate residents about the risks of climate change and provide guidance on how to prepare for and respond to extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Strengthen Building Codes

Near-term

Update building codes to ensure that new construction is resilient to flooding, coastal inundation, and extreme heat.

Est. cost: Medium

Council & Emergency Services

Cairns Regional Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 10 March 2026

Explore Yorkeys Knob Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Yorkeys Knob prone to hailstorms?

Hail risk in Yorkeys Knob depends on the frequency of severe thunderstorm activity in the Queensland region. BOM tracks severe storm events including hail. Property-specific risk depends on roof design, building orientation, and local storm patterns.

What wind rating applies to buildings in Yorkeys Knob?

Under AS/NZS 1170.2, properties in Yorkeys Knob are assigned a wind region classification. This rating determines structural design requirements for new buildings. Check with ClimateNest or a structural engineer for your property's classification.

Does storm risk affect insurance premiums in Yorkeys Knob?

Yes, storm damage — including wind, hail, and rain ingress — is one of the most common insurance claims in Australia. Properties in higher wind zones or with greater hail exposure may face higher premiums or specific policy conditions.

What storm mitigation measures should Yorkeys Knob property owners consider?

Storm mitigation includes impact-resistant roofing, cyclone-rated fixings where required, window and door shutters, regular roof and gutter maintenance, securing outdoor items, and ensuring compliance with current wind load standards under the National Construction Code.

What share of Yorkeys Knob is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 14% of Yorkeys Knob in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 58.7% in moderate-risk zones. Suburb-level exposure is not uniform — individual properties can differ from these averages, so an address-level check is recommended.

Is Yorkeys Knob Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Yorkeys Knob, Queensland, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$69 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections