Storm Risk in Highett, VIC: 2026 Assessment

Highett, Victoria· UNKNOWN
Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms with hail and damaging windsUpdated 21 Mar 2026

Storm Risk Score

3.2/10

Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms with hail and damaging winds

Key Facts

Storm Risk
Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms with hail and damaging winds
Trend
stable
Suburb
Highett, VIC
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
3190
Highest high-risk exposure
17.1% of land (bushfire)

Storm Risk Analysis

Highett, Victoria, 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 Highett.

Severe thunderstorms affecting Highett can produce damaging wind gusts, large hail, and intense rainfall. The Bureau of Meteorology issues severe weather warnings for Victoria, 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 Highett property owners, this reinforces the value of storm-resistant building features and comprehensive insurance.

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

Highett sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for severe storm risk. 0% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk severe storm zones and 83.5% 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 Highett.

Highett (postcode 3190) 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 (17.1% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (7.5% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (5.6% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Highett — 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 RegionLow-lying areas near the coast are exposed to sea level rise.
Storm Risk LevelSome coastal erosion is present along the foreshore.
Distance to Coast1 km

Historical Events

2023
Moderate

Severe storms caused damage to property and infrastructure in the Melbourne area, including Highett.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Improve stormwater drainage

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater infrastructure to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Increase green spaces

Near-term

Plant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade.

Est. cost: Medium

Develop a heatwave response plan

Immediate

Implement a heatwave early warning system and provide support for vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Coastal protection measures

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures such as seawalls and beach nourishment to protect against sea level rise and erosion.

Est. cost: High

Community education programs

Near-term

Educate residents about climate change risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

City of Kingston
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 21 March 2026

Explore Highett Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Highett prone to hailstorms?

Hail risk in Highett depends on the frequency of severe thunderstorm activity in the Victoria 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 Highett?

Under AS/NZS 1170.2, properties in Highett 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 Highett?

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 Highett 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 Highett is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 17.1% of Highett in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 70.1% 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 Highett Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Highett, Victoria, 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