A severe thunderstorm struck southeast Queensland during a school fair, injuring nine attendees as hailstones, some as large as 9cm, pelted the crowd. The event took place at the 150th Anniversary of Esk State School, approximately an hour northwest of Brisbane. Paramedics responded swiftly, assessing nine individuals for hail-related injuries, with one woman suffering from neck and head injuries requiring hospitalization, and several others receiving treatment for minor injuries.
The fierce storm system lashed the region with heavy rainfall and damaging winds, leading to shattered car windows and damage to homes. As of Sunday morning, around 4,500 properties in southeast Queensland continued to experience power outages. Areas such as Somerset, Brisbane, and Ipswich were notably affected, with officials estimating significant storm damage.
Queensland’s Emergency Services Minister, Mr. Crisafulli, stated that the severity of the storms was evident, recalling a wedding in Biloela, where one attendee was hospitalized due to the sudden hazardous weather conditions. He acknowledged the difficult situation faced by farmers in Bundaberg, who reported losses due to storms damaging crops and irrigation equipment earlier in the week. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, he emphasized the resilience of Queenslanders, expressing confidence in the community’s ability to handle natural adversities.
The Bureau of Meteorology indicated that severe weather and additional storms would continue into Sunday, although the affected areas would be more limited. Despite the ongoing risks, forecaster Angus Hines reassured that many regions were not expected to face the same level of danger.
In New South Wales, parts of the Hunter region, mid-north coast, and central tablelands also faced severe thunderstorms, with hailstones reaching 7cm and heavy rains recorded in the Northern Rivers area. The community’s determination and preparedness were highlighted in calls from local authorities to stay vigilant in the face of unpredictable weather events.
As the storms subside, the emphasis now turns to recovery efforts and community support, reflecting the spirit of resilience that shines through even in the face of challenging weather conditions.