UPDATE: Severe storms continue to wreak havoc across eastern Australia, with more rain and giant hail expected as the crisis unfolds. Millions are still recovering from a weekend of destructive weather that has left thousands without power and caused significant property damage.
On Saturday, October 14, relentless thunderstorms hit a stretch from central Queensland down to northern New South Wales (NSW), particularly impacting Brisbane and the Sunshine and Gold Coasts. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued urgent warnings as the storms progressed, with some areas experiencing hailstones up to 9 cm wide and wind gusts reaching 100 km/h.
Reports indicate that numerous vehicles suffered shattered windows and homes were damaged. At MJ’s Cafe & Bar in Pratten, owner Richard Manley described the chaos: “Basically all the cars in the car park had their windscreen smashed and a Land Cruiser lost nearly every panel on the car.”
In a staggering display of nature’s fury, Barongarook recorded a staggering 54 mm of rain in just half an hour, while Dalby Airport reported wind gusts of 104 km/h. In NSW, the Hunter region and mid-north coast saw hailstones as large as 7 cm, and Grafton faced a deluge of 70 mm of rain in the same brief period.
As the storms are predicted to persist into Sunday, forecasters warn that while the area of impact may shrink, the threat remains. “Many places will not see the same risk,” said Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Angus Hines, but he cautioned that, “that doesn’t mean there’s no risk at all.”
Residents in affected regions are urged to stay alert and follow official updates. The forecast suggests that severe thunderstorms could continue, particularly targeting areas from Brisbane to Bundaberg.
As the situation develops, emergency services are mobilizing to assess damages and assist those in need. With the potential for further severe weather, it’s crucial for communities to remain vigilant and prepared for what lies ahead. Stay tuned for updates as we monitor this evolving situation closely.
