Southeast Queensland has been rocked by a severe weather emergency as dangerous thunderstorms unleashed destructive hail across the region, leaving a trail of damage and multiple injuries in their wake.
Emergency Response Stretched Thin
Emergency services have been inundated with calls for assistance, responding to more than 250 incidents across the affected areas. The Queensland Ambulance Service confirmed at least nine people required medical treatment following the violent storm cell that swept through the region.
The most dramatic scenes unfolded in Jimboomba, where residents faced a terrifying ordeal as hailstones described as being the size of golf balls pummelled homes and vehicles. The intense hail barrage caused immediate and significant damage throughout the community.
Widespread Damage and Power Outages
The storm's impact has been substantial, with reports indicating:
- Multiple buildings suffering structural damage from the enormous hailstones
- Numerous vehicles severely damaged with shattered windows and dented bodywork
- Power outages affecting thousands of residents across the region
- Localised flooding in low-lying areas as heavy rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems
Residents across Logan, Scenic Rim, and Gold Coast regions reported similar scenes of destruction as the storm cell moved through the area during the afternoon hours.
Weather Bureau Issues Stern Warning
The Bureau of Meteorology had issued severe thunderstorm warnings ahead of the system's arrival, but the intensity of the hail caught many by surprise. Meteorologists noted the particular danger of the large hailstones, which can cause serious injury to people and animals while inflicting rapid damage on property.
"When hailstones reach this size, they become genuinely dangerous projectiles," explained a weather bureau spokesperson. "The energy they carry upon impact is substantial enough to break windows, damage roofing, and pose serious risk to anyone caught outside."
Cleanup Operations Underway
As the storm system moves offshore, residents are beginning the daunting task of assessing damage and starting cleanup operations. Insurance companies have already begun receiving claims for damaged vehicles and properties, while emergency services continue to respond to the most urgent cases.
Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution when inspecting damage, watching for downed power lines and unstable structures that may pose additional hazards in the aftermath of the severe weather event.
