URGENT UPDATE: Severe thunderstorms are battering eastern Australia, with communities in New South Wales and Queensland facing intense weather conditions. The Bureau of Meteorology warns that these storms could continue through Sunday, unleashing damaging wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and hailstones.
Meteorologist Angus Hines stated, “From Port Macquarie northwards across the border into much of eastern and central Queensland, we could continue to see severe thunderstorms.” The potential for significant weather impacts is high, raising concerns for power outages, travel disruptions, and flash flooding.
Earlier today, severe thunderstorms wreaked havoc in southeast Queensland, with areas recording over 50mm of rain in just 30 minutes. The storms caused widespread damage, leaving almost 3,000 properties without power as of 9 PM Saturday, according to Energex.
Giant hail up to 9cm wide previously damaged homes and shattered car windows across the region, with reports of injuries and hospitalizations. Hines elaborated, “We’ve seen that happen many times in the last few weeks,” emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
In the tiny town of Silverspur, located about 60km southwest of Stanthorpe, hailstones measuring up to 7cm have been reported. Social media posts from Higgins Storm Chasing showed alarming flash flooding in the Scenic Rim Region and multiple fallen trees near Coffs Harbour in NSW.
The storms are expected to move off the coast by later Sunday, but the immediate risk remains critical. Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors, avoid travel, and prepare for potential evacuations if flash flooding occurs.
As communities brace for what could be another tumultuous day, officials continue to monitor the situation closely. Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
