South-East Queensland has been hit by a series of severe thunderstorms over the past week, bringing giant hailstones and widespread damage, prompting a significant response from emergency services and insurers.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has warned that the dangerous weather pattern is far from over, with the region bracing for a high likelihood of violent supercell storms in the coming days.

Widespread Damage and 7cm Hail Reported

The worst of the recent activity struck the region on Sunday, October 26, when a fast-moving storm cell produced hailstones up to 7cm in diameter in areas like St Lucia, with stones of 4 cm to 6 cm reported across Ipswich, Moorooka, Goonda, and Pullenvale.

The storm also brought destructive winds, with gusts reaching 109km/h in Gayndah and around 95km/h near Amberley and Archerfield.

Power Outages: Approximately 26,000 households in the greater Brisbane area lost power, with the storm causing “significant damage” to the network, according to distributor Energex.
Property Damage: Insurers have already received over 11,000 claims industry-wide following the weekend’s events, with the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) declaring the hailstorm a Significant Event. Claims cover extensive damage to properties, vehicles, and businesses.
Disruption: The severe lightning and rain even halted play during the Pacific Cup Men’s rugby league match between Samoa and Tonga at Suncorp Stadium, with spectators instructed to seek shelter.

Supercells and Tornadoes Possible in Next Forecast

The BOM has issued an urgent warning for an “outbreak” of further severe thunderstorm activity across South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

This renewed threat is due to volatile weather patterns characterized by warm, moist surface conditions colliding with colder air aloft, which is highly conducive to forming severe storms.

Forecasters warn that:

Destructive Storms: A high risk of destructive supercell storms is predicted, capable of bringing not only giant hail but also damaging to destructive wind gusts and intense rainfall leading to flash flooding.
Tornado Risk: The possibility of isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out with the most intense cells, a rare warning that signals the extreme nature of this current weather system.

Residents are being strongly urged to stay vigilant and follow the latest updates from the Bureau of Meteorology and emergency services.

Safety Advice for Residents

Emergency services are advising residents to take immediate action to prepare for the predicted severe weather:

Secure Property: Pack away, secure, or tie down outdoor furniture, toys, and trampolines.
Vehicle Protection: Park cars undercover and away from trees to prevent hail or wind damage.
Shelter: Close doors and windows, and stay away from windows if giant hail begins to fall.
Emergency Kit: Have an emergency kit ready, including batteries, a portable radio, medications, and a charged mobile phone/power bank.

Would you like the direct link to the latest Bureau of Meteorology warnings for South-East Queensland?