Geelong residents were caught off guard on Tuesday afternoon as a sudden hailstorm swept through the city, blanketing streets and gardens in a layer of icy pellets.
Unpredictable Weather Strikes Geelong
The surprise hailstorm, which lasted about 15 minutes, saw hailstones ranging from pea-sized to larger than a 20-cent coin. Residents scrambled to protect cars and property as the hail pounded down.
Local resident Sarah Thompson described the scene: "It came out of nowhere. One minute it was sunny, the next we were being pelted with hail. It was quite intense."
Forecast for Coldest Day Yet
The hailstorm comes amid predictions that Wednesday will be Geelong's coldest day so far this year, with a maximum temperature of just 13 degrees Celsius. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of possible further showers and a chilly southwesterly wind.
Meteorologist James Johnson said: "This cold snap is due to a strong cold front moving across Victoria. We're advising residents to prepare for unusually low temperatures and potential further hail."
Impact on the Community
The sudden storm caused minor flooding in some low-lying areas and left many roads slippery. Emergency services reported no major incidents but urged drivers to take care on wet roads.
Local businesses also felt the impact, with outdoor cafes forced to clear customers inside as the hail fell. "We had to quickly bring in all the cushions and umbrellas," said one cafe owner. "It was chaos for a few minutes."
Looking Ahead
While the cold weather is expected to persist for the next few days, the Bureau of Meteorology predicts a gradual warming trend later in the week. Residents are advised to keep warm and stay updated on weather warnings.
Despite the chilly conditions, many Geelong residents took to social media to share photos and videos of the hailstorm, marveling at the sudden shift in weather.
