From destructive storms in NSW to severe weather across Queensland, tornadoes are a reminder that Australian storm season can be more unpredictable than we think.
When most people think of tornadoes, they probably picture the enormous funnel clouds seen in American weather reports, tearing through towns and lifting everything in their path.
But did you know tornadoes happen right here in Australia?
Recent severe weather events have brought the phenomenon back into the spotlight, with destructive storms reported across parts of New South Wales and Queensland. In October 2026, a tornado was confirmed near Ulladulla on the NSW South Coast, while another destructive storm near Yass at the end of the month was believed by the Bureau of Meteorology to have been caused by a tornado.
With storm season underway, it's worth understanding what these weather systems are, where they can occur and what they can mean for the trees surrounding our homes and businesses.
Yes, Australia really does experience tornadoes.
It's a common misconception that tornadoes are something that only happen overseas.
In reality, Australia experiences tornadoes associated with severe thunderstorms, particularly during the warmer months.
Research published in the Australian Journal of Emergency Management has cited estimates of around 60 tornadoes annually across Australia, although many occur in sparsely populated areas and are never widely reported.
Tornadoes can develop when the right atmospheric conditions come together, including powerful rising air currents within thunderstorms and changes in wind speed and direction at different heights.
These conditions can create rotation within a storm system, sometimes developing into a tornado.
And while Australia doesn't experience tornadoes on the same scale or frequency as some parts of the United States, the damage they can cause is very real.
What's been happening across Australia?
Recent events have demonstrated just how destructive these localised weather systems can be.
In October 2026, Ulladulla on the NSW South Coast experienced a confirmed tornado that damaged buildings, brought down trees and disrupted businesses.
Then, on 31 October, a destructive storm hit Good Hope near Yass in the NSW Southern Tablelands. Buildings were damaged, trees were uprooted and roads were blocked. The Bureau of Meteorology indicated that a tornado was the likely cause, although its assessment was still underway when the damage was reported.
Queensland has also experienced a particularly active start to the storm season, with severe thunderstorms, large hail and destructive winds affecting several regions.
The important takeaway? You don't need to live in America's famous tornado alley to experience damaging winds and severe storm activity.
Can tornadoes happen in Queensland?
Absolutely.
Queensland's storm season brings conditions that can support severe thunderstorms, including systems capable of producing damaging winds, large hail and, occasionally, tornadoes.
The Bureau of Meteorology has previously highlighted that tornadoes can develop throughout Australia, with late spring and early summer being a particularly active period.
Western Queensland and inland regions are also exposed to severe thunderstorms, although the likelihood and severity of individual events vary depending on local weather conditions.
Not every severe storm produces a tornado, and even when forecasters identify conditions that could support one, its development is difficult to predict.
That's why monitoring official weather warnings and understanding the potential impact of severe weather is so important.
What happens to trees when a tornado hits?
Trees are often among the most visible casualties of severe weather.
The combination of intense wind, sudden changes in wind direction and powerful rotational forces can place enormous pressure on tree canopies, trunks and root systems.
Depending on the strength and path of the storm, the damage can include:
Uprooted trees
Strong winds can overwhelm a tree's root anchorage, particularly where the surrounding soil is already saturated or the root system is compromised.
Broken trunks and major limbs
Intense wind forces can cause trunks to split or large branches to break away, creating significant hazards for nearby buildings, vehicles and people.
Damaged canopies
Even trees that remain standing may experience substantial canopy damage, with broken branches, torn foliage and structural weaknesses.
Hidden structural damage
Sometimes the damage isn't immediately obvious. A tree may remain upright despite having suffered root disturbance, trunk damage or compromised major limbs.
This is why a tree that appears to have survived a storm isn't necessarily a tree that should be overlooked.
The danger doesn't always end when the storm passes.
One of the biggest mistakes property owners can make after severe weather is assuming that once the skies clear, the danger is over.
Storm-damaged trees can present ongoing risks, particularly where large branches are hanging, trunks have split or root systems have been disturbed.
A tree may be leaning differently, branches may be partially detached, or sections of the canopy may be unstable.
If you notice any of these issues following a storm, keep your distance and arrange an assessment by a qualified tree professional.
Never attempt to remove hanging branches or inspect unstable trees yourself. Always stay clear of fallen powerlines and contact the relevant electricity provider if electrical infrastructure has been affected.
Can you prepare your trees for severe weather?
While no amount of maintenance can make a tree completely storm-proof, preventative tree care can help identify and manage some foreseeable risks before severe weather arrives.
For homeowners and commercial property managers, this may include:
Arranging professional inspections of large or established trees.
Identifying deadwood, damaged limbs and structural defects.
Addressing appropriate pruning and canopy management requirements.
Assessing trees located close to buildings, driveways and frequently used areas.
Organising professional removal where a tree has been assessed as hazardous and removal is the appropriate solution.
It's important to remember that not every tree needs pruning or removal. The right approach depends on the individual tree, its condition and its surroundings.
The goal is to understand what is growing on your property and take appropriate action before the next severe weather event.
Look up before the next storm rolls in.
Tornadoes might not be an everyday occurrence, but Australia's recent weather events are a reminder that severe storms can bring unexpected and sometimes devastating conditions.
From powerful wind gusts to localised tornado activity, the impact on trees and surrounding property can be significant.
At Brien's Tree Solutions, we believe that looking after your trees starts well before the storm arrives.
Whether you need preventative tree maintenance, an assessment of a potentially hazardous tree or assistance managing storm-damaged trees, our team can help you understand your options.
Don't wait until a storm brings your trees down to find out whether they needed attention. Get ahead of storm season with Brien's Tree Solutions.
