Batten down the hatches: More than 30 severe thunderstorms predicted

WEATHER experts have warned the Gold Coast is in real danger of being lashed with the tail end of an ex-tropical cyclone again this summer.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s tropical cyclone outlook points to an active cyclone season, which could see up to 13 cyclones developing in Australian waters.

This means the Glitter Strip could expect to batten down the hatches up to four times this summer, if the ferocious storms develop off the Queensland coast and track towards land.

If a cyclone crosses land it could cause a damage bill similar to the estimated $2 billion worth of damage caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie in March and April.

“We could expect to see around four (cyclones) in the Coral Sea, and possibly one coastal crossing,” BOM meteorologist Danita Matusch said.

“As we saw earlier this year with Tropical Cyclone Debbie, just one event can have devastating effects.”

She said southeast Queensland was expected to be hit with at least 31 severe thunderstorms in the three months over summer.

“The storm season is well and truly underway,” she said.

Despite regular storms, Ms Matusch said overall the Gold Coast was in for dry conditions.

“Last summer was also neutral, but began with wetter than average conditions in contrast to this year’s record warm and dry start,” she said.

Forecasters around the globe are still watching the El Nino-Southern Oscillation closely to monitor the conditions that will prevail this summer.

Ms Matusch said BOM was watching for a La Nina summer, which would be wetter than average and have increased cyclone activity.

“While it is unusual for La Nina to develop this late in the year, it is not unprecedented,” she said.

“Some people may link La Nina conditions with the Queensland Floods in January 2011, which was one of the strongest La Nina events on record.

“While conditions currently remain neutral, if a La Nina does develop it is likely to be weak and relatively short-lived.”

Weatherzone forecaster Angus McLeanSmith said a La Nina summer could mean a slightly above average 600mm of rain would fall on the Gold Coast.

“It doesn’t look like we’ll get any excessive rainfall,” Mr McLean-Smith said.

He said cooler than usual temperatures could be expected on the Coast, with the average high temperature predicted to be between 27C and 28C.

“Last year was a lot warmer, close to 30C,” he said.

“Besides these few changes, it looks like business as usual this summer.

“Gold Coasters should be prepared for storms and everything they can bring.”