In a startling weather event, hailstones the size of golf balls, measuring approximately 5 cm in diameter, pummeled various areas across the state. Meanwhile, residents in the Southern Downs reported even larger hailstones, some as big as 8-9 cm.
During the 150th anniversary celebration at Esk State School, located nearly 100 km from Brisbane, nine individuals suffered injuries amidst the chaos caused by severe storms. These storms unleashed hail, torrential rain, and fierce winds.
At 3:24 p.m. local time, four individuals were transported to the hospital due to minor injuries inflicted by the hail.
A woman in her 30s was admitted to Ipswich Hospital with head and neck injuries, and she remains in stable condition.
Additionally, a man in his 20s was treated at Gatton Hospital for minor burns, also in stable condition.
Two other women, one in her 20s and the other in her 30s, were hospitalized with minor injuries from the storm.
Another five people were treated by paramedics at the scene.
Huge hailstones smashed windows, damaged roofs and pummelled cars.
The largest hailstones, about 9cm in diameter, were reported in Pratton in the state’s Southern Downs region.
The ferocious storm rolled across Brisbane’s CBD and the greater suburbs about 3pm.
It left hundreds of residents in south-east Queensland without power.
Residents in the NSW Northern Tablelands and across the North West Slopes and Plains, including Tamworth and Moree were also expected to be hit by the storms.
More storms forecast for today
The Bureau of Meteorology is warning more wild conditions are on the way, with severe storms, damaging winds and giant hail forecast in Queensland for later this afternoon.
Severe thunderstorms are possible across south-east Queensland, rolling as far as north-east NSW.
Damaging winds, heavy rain and large hail are again possible, the BoM said.
Inland regions including Gympie, Kandanga, Kenilworth and Gunalda are expected to be smashed with the worst of the wild weather.
The storms aren’t expected to ease until Tuesday.
The bureau warned that storms are possible tomorrow “almost anywhere in the state”.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli insisted the state’s emergency services were well prepared and ready to help.
“I want Queenslanders to know we’re prepared for this,” he said.
“I think that’s what makes the state so resilient, the ability to be able to deal with what Mother Nature throws at us.”
