"Epworth respiratory physician Michael Sutherland says last week’s thunderstorm asthma event was the most severe ever recorded anywhere in the world."

“The previous worst episode was in London in 1994 with 640 cases (and) only five to ICU (intensive care units),” Dr Sutherland told 3AW on Wednesday.

Every available ambulance in Melbourne was sent out on calls during the storm as more than 30 were admitted to intensive care."

Full news story.

only you could be so pedantic,    they were a combination of everything,    and i think MOST people would know what i meant,  

There's a good explanation of thunderstorm asthma on SBS. Exerpts below.

“When you combine high pollen counts with thunderstorms and warm weather, a much more serious phenomenon can unfold: thunderstorm asthma attacks.

Grass pollen is usually too large to enter the small airways of the lungs and is filtered out by the nose, causing hay fever in those allergic to pollen.

But stormy winds and moisture can cause the pollen to rupture into tiny particles, which are small enough to be inhaled.

The outflow winds of a thunderstorm then concentrate these tiny particles at ground level, where they can easily enter the small airways of the lungs and cause an acute asthma attack in those who are allergic to grass pollens.

The symptoms of thunderstorm asthma can occur quickly and include shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing.”

They all seem to be young people too ....

Thunderstorm asthma advice issued as storms loom in Victoria

Sunday 4th December 2016

Victorians who experience breathing difficulties or asthma have been advised to take extra care this evening, with a cool change and thunderstorms predicted for the state.

Full story from ABC.