Climate & Environment

Seven‑centimetre Hail Hits South‑East Queensland Amid Severe Storms

By Today News Hours Editorial Desk

A series of severe thunderstorms in south‑east Queensland produced hail up to seven centimetres in diameter. The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Logan, parts of Ipswich, the Gold Coast, Brisbane City and Scenic Rim Council areas, noting the potential for damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that could cause flash flooding. Hailstones ranging from three to seven centimetres were recorded at Yamanto, Flinders View, Ripley and Mudgeeraba between 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm. The warning also covers parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Wide Bay and Burnett and the Southeast Coast forecast districts. Giant hail is defined by the bureau as any stone larger than 5 cm; in 2020, 14‑centimetre hailstones were recorded near Brisbane. Such hail can cause serious injuries and damage to vehicles, windows, homes and crops. Gold Coast chief lifeguard William Ashley urged people to stay out of the water during storms, citing the risk of electrical conduction. Brisbane Airport warned of “some delays” after a lightning strike damaged the western runway, which was closed for repairs; the eastern runway had just reopened following a safety inspection. Police have cautioned motorists against driving through floodwaters after three people were stranded in separate incidents across the Darling Downs in the past 24 hours. A 60‑year‑old man was rescued from floodwaters at Talgai, north of Warwick, after freeing himself with the help of Queensland Fire and Rescue swift‑water crews. An 18‑year‑old woman allegedly drove into floodwaters in Warwick early Tuesday and later tested positive for alcohol at 0.179 %. A 57‑year‑old man was rescued from floodwaters at Ellengowan by swift‑water crews before 7 am.