A massive storm system has produced the largest hailstones ever recorded in Australia, with stones measuring 16 centimetres across falling at Yalboroo, north of Mackay in north Queensland. The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed the hail broke the previous record of 14 centimetres set in southeast Queensland in October 2020.
The severe storms also caused significant damage in northern New South Wales, including the collapse of a shopping centre roof in Toormina, south of Coffs Harbour. The roof of a Lowes store gave way under the weight of water, forcing the evacuation of around 400 people. The State Emergency Service reported more than 200 callouts for property and vehicle damage across Coffs Harbour, Toormina, and Sawtell.
Forecaster Shane Kennedy said hail of that size has a terminal velocity exceeding 100 kilometres per hour. The storms followed tornadoes observed on Monday near Pittsworth, west of Toowoomba, and in Bracewell, near Gladstone. The Bureau of Meteorology warned of further giant hail, destructive winds, heavy rain, and severe thunderstorms along the Queensland coast, including areas such as Gympie, Noosa, and Murgon.
Proserpine mechanic Chris Harvey, who filmed the record-setting hail, reported his truck was badly damaged. Social media users described the hail as 'widowmaker' hail, with images showing fused stones larger than a human hand. The US National Weather Service in Nashville, Tennessee, also commented on the unusual size.
