Baseball-Sized Hail Lashes Grafton and Northern Rivers – Roof Damage, Insurance Tips, and Live Updates

A devastating hailstorm is currently battering parts of northern NSW, leaving widespread damage across the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast regions. Higgins Storm Chasing, have confirmed report and images of hailstones as large as 13 centimetres in diameter having smashed through Grafton and South Grafton, causing extensive roof damage and destruction to vehicles and properties.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for people in the Northern Rivers and parts of the Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands Forecast Districts. Areas currently affected or at risk include:

Northern Rivers: Lismore, Grafton, South Grafton, Casino, Yamba, Maclean

Mid North Coast: Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Sawtell

Northern Tablelands: Dorrigo

Emergency services are on high alert, responding to calls for assistance as the storm continues to wreak havoc.

Understanding the Severity of the Storm

This severe hailstorm has highlighted the vulnerability of northern NSW to extreme weather events. The impacted areas, including Grafton, Lismore, Coffs Harbour, and Casino, often experience severe storms during the spring and summer months, when atmospheric conditions favour the development of giant hail, destructive winds, and heavy rain.

Why These Areas Are at Risk

Regions in the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, and Northern Tablelands are prone to hailstorms due to their warm, humid conditions meeting cooler air masses. Events like this one emphasise the importance of storm preparedness and the need for quick action when storms strike.