New South Wales experienced an extraordinary storm last night that brought about 100,000 lightning strikes throughout the state. Typically a summer phenomenon, this storm lacked the usual warmth and instead delivered hailstones measuring up to three centimetres.
The storm’s impact was widespread, affecting regions from Sydney Harbour to Liverpool, Castle Hill, and the Northern Beaches. Although Sydney itself was spared the worst of the weather, places like Mudgee and Bathurst in the Central West, as well as areas on the Central Coast, faced substantial hail damage.
According to Angus Hynes from the Bureau of Meteorology, the hail in some areas was particularly notable, with reports of the largest measuring three centimetres. The State Emergency Service (SES) responded to 28 incidents related to the storm, with nearly half occurring in Wyong on the Central Coast. The majority of these reports were concerning damaged roofs.
This unusual weather event has raised concerns and prompted emergency responses as communities deal with the aftermath.