Thunderstorm asthma warning as region braces for severe weather
South Gippsland and the Bass Coast have been warned of a heightened risk of thunderstorm asthma as an intense cold front creates highly unstable atmospheric conditions right across the state.
BASS Coast and South Gippsland are being urged to prepare for a heightened risk of thunderstorm asthma as severe weather systems sweep across the state. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued an updated Severe Weather Warning for damaging winds today as an intense cold front creates highly unstable atmospheric conditions.
Forecasters have warned that strong north westerly winds averaging 50 to 80 km/hr with localised peak gusts exceeding 100 km/hr are currently moving through western and central regions.
These severe conditions are expected to expand further into central and eastern areas by tonight. Convective thunderstorm lines forming along the cold front are highly likely to trigger localised severe gusts, creating an ideal environment for an epidemic thunderstorm asthma event.
This volatile weather comes a decade after Victoria experienced the world's most catastrophic epidemic thunderstorm asthma event in November 2016. That disaster triggered severe breathing emergencies for thousands of people and tragically claimed the lives of 10 Victorians.
Health officials have warned that record-breaking weather patterns and high grass growth mean the danger to allergy sufferers remains significantly elevated this spring.
Victorian Chief Health Officer Dr Caroline McElnay warned thunderstorm asthma can be life-threatening. “People at risk should go indoors during thunderstorms, especially when gusty winds arrive before the storm,” Dr McElnay said.
“If you have asthma, make sure your written asthma action plan is up to date, take your medications as prescribed, and know what to do if symptoms worsen.”
Thunderstorm asthma occurs when specific storm downbursts burst high concentrations of grass pollen into tiny, easily inhalable particles. Authorities have emphasised that anyone suffering from springtime hay fever, current asthma, or even undiagnosed breathing issues is highly vulnerable. Crucially, people should stay indoors with windows securely shut during the peak of the storms.
Dr McElnay advised that taking these localised precautions would help reduce the critical strain on Victoria's hard-working paramedics and hospitals as emergency teams manage the statewide weather outbreak.
To mitigate risks vulnerable residents have been advised to follow their written asthma action plans, take prescribed preventative medications, and closely monitor the Epidemic Thunderstorm Asthma Risk Forecast System on the VicEmergency platform.
To access forecasts and health advice, visit emergency.vic.gov.au or betterhealth.vic.gov.au/thunderstorm-asthma.
