Storm Risk in Highett, VIC: 2026 Assessment
Storm Risk Score
3.2/10Moderate 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
Historical Events
Severe storms caused damage to property and infrastructure in the Melbourne area, including Highett.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Improve stormwater drainage
Near-termUpgrade stormwater infrastructure to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.
Est. cost: Medium
Increase green spaces
Near-termPlant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade.
Est. cost: Medium
Develop a heatwave response plan
ImmediateImplement a heatwave early warning system and provide support for vulnerable populations during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Coastal protection measures
Long-termImplement coastal protection measures such as seawalls and beach nourishment to protect against sea level rise and erosion.
Est. cost: High
Community education programs
Near-termEducate residents about climate change risks and adaptation measures.
Est. cost: Low
Council & Emergency Services
Explore Highett Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for Highett:
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.
What A$69 could save you from
*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections