Parts of Queensland faced severe weather as giant hail and powerful winds lashed the region, causing widespread damage. The storms hit overnight, leaving communities struggling to recover while more severe weather warnings remain in place.
Figure 1: Massive hailstones were observed at Ruby Creek, located east of Stanthorpe. (Source: Stacey Hile)
Hail and Strong Winds Hit Stanthorpe
Stanthorpe and surrounding areas bore the brunt of the storms. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) recorded wind gusts up to 107 km/h in Yeppoon, with hailstones between 6 and 8 centimetres reported in the Stanthorpe region. Large hail covered streets and properties, leaving local growers devastated.
Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Melissa Hamilton described the experience of driving through the storm as intense, mentioning how traffic came to a complete halt due to the size of the hailstones.
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Farmers Suffer Heavy Losses
Local farmers reported significant damage to crops. The Granite Belt Growers Association highlighted that multiple producers in Dalveen, Applethorpe, and Pozieres were nearing their first harvest when the storm hit. The association noted that apples and berries had suffered major damage, with one grower losing their entire season’s crop.
Storm Activity Across the State
The severe weather wasn’t limited to Stanthorpe. Storms lashed central, southern, and northern Queensland with heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning. BOM senior forecaster Miriam Bradbury confirmed the storms met criteria for damaging wind gusts capable of bringing down trees and causing structural damage.
The State Emergency Service (SES) received 17 calls for assistance on Tuesday night, mainly for structural damage and fallen trees.
Rainfall was also significant, with 58 millimetres recorded in an hour at Emerald Crest, near Mareeba, and 46 millimetres falling in 30 minutes at Sutties Creek, west of Innisfail. Gregory Downs in the Gulf recorded 96 millimetres in just one hour.
Heatwave Conditions Grip Outback Queensland
While parts of Queensland faced storms, the state’s west remained under severe heatwave conditions. Mount Isa, Birdsville, and Longreach recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, with Birdsville peaking at 44 degrees.
Thargomindah, in Queensland’s southwest, continued to experience scorching temperatures above 40 degrees for multiple days. The town has seen limited rainfall since December, raising concerns for property owners. Bulloo Shire Mayor John Ferguson expressed worry over the dry conditions, noting that even regions with good pasture face rapid deterioration under the extreme heat.
Weather Warnings Persist
BOM weather warnings remain in place across Queensland, with meteorologists urging residents to stay alert. Further storms with hail and damaging winds are forecasted for central to southern Queensland. The bureau advised monitoring its website for updates and safety alerts.
The weather warning includes risks of large hail and wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h, posing a continued threat to crops, properties, and travel.
Impact on Events and Travel
The severe weather led to event cancellations, including a race meeting in Emerald that was called off due to waterlogged tracks. Officials deemed conditions unsafe for racing after heavy rain flooded the area.
Storm activity also disrupted travel, with some roads blocked due to fallen trees and hail accumulation. Residents have been urged to delay non-essential travel and stay informed through official weather channels.
Continued Risk of Severe Storms
BOM forecasts further storm activity across inland Queensland, extending from Capricornia to the New South Wales border. Bradbury urged residents to monitor radar systems closely, as severe weather could develop quickly.
The heatwave warnings also remain for the North Tropical Coast, Central Highlands, and Channel Country regions. High temperatures combined with dry conditions increase the risk of bushfires and further strain local communities already dealing with storm damage.
Residents Urged to Stay Prepared
Authorities continue to advise Queensland residents to prepare for changing weather conditions. Secure loose objects, avoid travel during severe weather, and stay updated through BOM weather reports.
The recent Stanthorpe hail storm serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Australian weather. With more severe weather warnings in place, staying informed and prepared remains crucial for safety.
