In an unexpected twist of weather, hailstones the size of golf balls descended on various areas of Sydney as an intense storm rolled through the region.
Several locations across New South Wales, including Singleton and Warragamba, also experienced the icy onslaught.
Around 3:30 p.m., the city was enveloped in darkness as the turbulent weather system made its presence known.
Prior to the storm’s arrival, alerts were disseminated, cautioning residents about potential flash floods, fierce winds, and the likelihood of hail.
The Bureau of Meteorology reported hailstones measuring up to 5 cm in diameter in Penrith at approximately 4 p.m.
Additionally, a powerful wind gust reaching 91 km/h was recorded at Western Sydney Airport just before 3:45 p.m.
A weather warning remains in place for “very dangerous thunderstorms” in Central Tablelands and parts of the Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, Southern Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes and Riverina Forecast Districts, the BOM says.
“Severe thunderstorms with heavy rainfall, and possible damaging wind gusts and large hail continue,” it says.
