Giant hail batters communities in two states
Aaron Bunch |
Powerful storms packing giant hail and destructive winds have lashed communities in two states, cutting power to thousands of properties.
A series of severe thunderstorms brought wild weather to parts of NSW and Queensland on Saturday, the Bureau of Meteorology said.
More than 48,000 properties were without power in southeast Queensland at 7pm, according to Energex.
Large hail up to 6cm in diameter fell at Croppa Creek in northern NSW, with a 109 km/h wind gust recorded at nearby Walgett.
In southeast Queensland, more than 50mm of rain was recorded in 30 minutes at multiple locations and hail up to 7cm in diameter fell in the tiny town of Silverspur, about 60 km southwest of Stanthorpe.
Social media posts showed flash flooding events on the Sunshine Coast and in the Scenic Rim Region.
Other posts showed fallen trees near Coffs Harbour in NSW, which were attributed to the storms.
Severe thunderstorm warnings remain in place for parts of NSW and Queensland.
Significant weather impacts, including giant hailstones and destructive winds of 120km/h or stronger were possible, the bureau warned.
Heavy rainfall could also lead to flash and riverine flooding, property damage, power outages, travel and transport delays and road closures.
“It could move into houses and properties, and potentially we could see some rivers start to climb if we do see significant rain across those river catchment areas,” meteorologist Angus Hines said.
“Damage to cars and property, particularly from that large or giant hail, is (also) absolutely possible.”
The severe weather is expected to continue into Sunday.
Eastern Australia has been pummelled by wild weather in recent weeks.
Giant hail up to 9cm wide damaged homes and shattered car windows in Queensland earlier in the month.
Nine people were injured, with several taken to hospitals for treatment, as power was cut to thousands of homes.
AAP
