As the weekend of March 28–29, 2026 approaches, the Perth metropolitan area and the wider Southwest coast are on high alert. Tropical Cyclone Narelle, which has already left its mark across Northern Australia, is forecast to re-intensify over the warm waters of the Indian Ocean before tracking southward.
While Perth is accustomed to winter cold fronts, a tropical system of this magnitude poses unique risks, including destructive wind gusts, heavy rain dumping events, and potential storm surges. At Delmont Insurance Group, we are committed to ensuring our community is not only well-insured but well-prepared.
This article outlines critical safety steps for your home and business, explains the technicalities of storm insurance, and provides a clear roadmap for lodging a claim should you need our support.
Understanding the Forecast: Why Narelle is Different
Typically, cyclones weaken as they move into the cooler waters of the south. However, current meteorological data suggests that Narelle may retain significant strength—potentially arriving as a Category 1 or 2 system or a very powerful Ex-Tropical Cyclone.
The primary threats for Perth this weekend include:
- Destructive Winds: Gusts exceeding 125 km/h can uproot trees and damage roof structures not rated for cyclonic conditions.
- Flash Flooding: Saturated catchments from earlier seasonal rain mean that Narelle’s predicted 100mm+ rainfall could lead to immediate flooding.
- Power Outages: Widespread network interruptions are expected as debris impacts power lines.
Home Preparation Checklist: Protecting Your Sanctuary
Prevention is the best form of insurance. Before the first warning signals move from Blue to Yellow, ensure your household has completed these tasks:
Outdoor Maintenance
- The Projectile Sweep: Anything not bolted down becomes a missile in 100 km/h winds. This includes trampolines, potted plants, outdoor settings, and even loose shaded sails. Move them into a garage or secure them with heavy-duty tie-downs.
- Gutter Clarity: Perth’s dry spells often lead to debris buildup in gutters. Clear them now. Blocked gutters are the #1 cause of internal ceiling collapses during heavy rain as water backs up under the eaves.
- Tree Management: Check for dead wood or overhanging branches. If a branch looks like it could hit your roof or power line, it probably will.
The Make Safe Kit
Every Perth home should have an emergency kit ready by Friday evening. This should include:
- Power: Fully charged power banks, a battery-operated radio (to listen to ABC local updates), and high-quality torches.
- Water: At least 10 litres of bottled water per person.
- Documents: Physical or digital copies of your Delmont Insurance policy and ID in a waterproof bag.
Business Continuity: Securing Your Livelihood
For Perth business owners from retail hubs in East Victoria Park to commercial warehouses in Osborne Park the stakes are high.
Digital & Physical Assets
- Data Redundancy: Ensure your Friday night backups are completed and stored in the cloud. If your server is on-site, ensure it is elevated off the floor to prevent water damage.
- Inventory Protection: Move stock away from windows and off the floor. If you operate in a flood-prone area, consider sandbagging entry points.
- Unplug: Power surges are common during storms. Unplug non-essential electronics to protect sensitive circuitry.
Staff Safety
Review your emergency communication plan. If the storm peaks during business hours, do your employees know when to stay home? Ensure everyone has the contact details for the Delmont Insurance claims team if they are responsible for the premises.
Navigating the Claims Process with Delmont Insurance
If the unthinkable happens and your property is damaged, the way you handle the first 24 hours can significantly impact your claim’s success.
Step 1: Emergency Make Safe
Your safety is paramount. Do not attempt to climb onto a roof during a storm to fix a leak. However, you are encouraged to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage such as placing a bucket under a leak or moving furniture away from a broken window.
Step 2: Document Everything
Before you start cleaning up, take photos and videos.
- Capture the damage from multiple angles.
- Keep samples of damaged materials (like a piece of carpet) if you must dispose of items for health reasons.
- Do not throw away large appliances or expensive items until an assessor has given the go-ahead.
Step 3: Contact Delmont Insurance
As your brokers, we act as your advocates. We handle the fine print so you can focus on recovery.
- Office Phone: (08) 6184 8724
- Email: claims@delmontinsurance.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Does my standard home insurance cover Cyclone damage?
Most comprehensive policies in WA cover Storm damage, which includes cyclones. However, it is vital to check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for specific exclusions related to storm surges (seawater flooding), which is often treated differently than rainwater flooding.
Q2: What is the difference between Flood and Rainwater Damage?
This is a common point of confusion.
- Rainwater damage usually refers to water entering the home because of a storm (e.g., a roof leak).
- Flood typically refers to water escaping from a natural watercourse (like the Swan River or a drainage canal) and covering normally dry land. At Delmont, we can help you clarify which coverages apply to your specific location.
Q3: Can I hire my own repairer immediately?
In an emergency, you can hire a professional to perform make-safe repairs (like tarping a roof). However, for permanent repairs, you must wait for the insurer’s approval or assessment. Always keep the invoices for any emergency work performed.
Q4: Will my insurance pay for a hotel if my house is unliveable?
If your policy includes Temporary Accommodation or Loss of Rent cover, and the home is deemed uninhabitable due to a covered event, the insurer will generally cover these costs up to a certain limit.
Q5: My fence blew down; am I covered?
Fences are a common claim in Perth. Most policies cover storm damage to fences, but many apply depreciation based on the age of the fence, or they may only pay for half the cost if it is a shared boundary with a neighbour.
Q6: I’m a business owner; does my policy cover Business Interruption?
If you have Business Interruption (BI) cover, you may be able to claim for lost income if your business cannot operate due to physical damage caused by the storm. This is a critical cover for SMEs during cyclone season.
Q7: Should I tape my windows?
Contrary to popular belief, taping a giant X on your windows does not stop them from breaking; it only prevents the glass from shattering into tiny pieces. A better option is cyclone shutters or high quality plywood boards if you are in a high risk wind zone.
Q8: What if I have a high excess?
Your excess is the amount you pay toward a claim. During a catastrophe like a cyclone, some people choose to bulk multiple damages (roof, fence, contents) into a single claim to ensure only one excess is paid. Talk to the Delmont team about how to structure your lodgement.
Final Word: Stay Safe, Stay Informed
Property can be replaced; lives cannot. Please follow all directions from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).
If you have any doubts about your current level of cover or need to update your policy before the storm hits, contact us immediately.
Delmont Insurance Group – Your Perth Partners in Protection.
- Location: Level 2/11 Lucknow Pl, West Perth WA 6005
- Web: www.delmontinsurance.com
Contact Delmont Insurance Group today on (08) 6184 8724 or via email at info@delmontinsurance.com.au.
Article written by James Wilson, Director of Delmont Insurance Group — a trusted adviser and specialist insurance broker