Aiden Wood
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Sep 30, 2025
Grafton's Christmas Party Hailstorm: When December 2017 Brought Unwanted Guests
December 13, 2017, was meant to be a day of celebration in Grafton, NSW. Christmas parties were in full swing, the Head of the Clarence River rowing regatta was underway, and the community was embracing the festive season. Then, around lunchtime, nature crashed the party with a severe hailstorm that left significant damage across the city.
December 13, 2017, was meant to be a day of celebration in Grafton, NSW. Christmas parties were in full swing, the Head of the Clarence River rowing regatta was underway, and the community was embracing the festive season. Then, around lunchtime, nature crashed the party with a severe hailstorm that left significant damage across the city.
The timing couldn't have been more disruptive. Members and guests of the South Grafton Bowls Club were enjoying their annual Christmas party when the severe weather struck. What began as a joyful community gathering quickly turned into an emergency situation as hailstones battered the area, causing immediate and visible damage to vehicles and property.
This December 2017 hailstorm became a stark reminder that severe weather doesn't respect calendars or celebrations, and that even during the most festive times of year, communities in the Northern Rivers region need to remain prepared for extreme weather events.
Swath Map (Recorded Hail)
The Storm That Stopped Christmas
The severe hailstorm struck Grafton around lunchtime on Saturday, December 13, 2017, catching the community off-guard during peak holiday season activities. The storm's impact was immediate and widespread, affecting multiple community events and causing substantial property damage throughout the area.
South Grafton Bowls Club Impact
The South Grafton Bowls Club bore a significant brunt of the storm's fury. Members and guests who had gathered for their Christmas party witnessed firsthand the destructive power of the hailstorm. Mal Myers, observing the scene, noted that vehicles at the Bowls Club sustained noticeable damage. "It was quite a spectacle and unfortunately some of our vehicles were damaged," he reported, capturing the mix of awe and frustration that many felt watching the natural phenomenon unfold.
Regatta Disruption
Saturday's 'Head of the Clarence River' rowing regatta became another casualty of the severe weather. The prestigious sporting event, which draws competitors and spectators from across the region, saw a number of expensive boats suffering hail damage. This disruption not only affected the immediate competition but also had financial implications for boat owners and event organizers.
Wider Community Impact
Beyond the high-profile events, the hailstorm caused widespread damage throughout Grafton and surrounding areas. Local businesses felt the impact immediately, with automotive services like Benny's Smash Repairs quickly offering quotes and emergency glass replacement services to help residents deal with the aftermath.
Recovery and Community Response
Recovery and Community Response
The December 2017 Grafton hailstorm demonstrated both the vulnerability of community gatherings to severe weather and the resilience of local businesses and residents in responding to such events.
Immediate Business Response
Local automotive businesses quickly mobilized to help residents deal with the storm damage. Clarence Coast Motors reported "minor damage" to exposed vehicles at their dealership, while Benny's Smash Repairs immediately began offering emergency services including quotes and glass replacement to help community members get back on the road.
Insurance and Damage Assessment
The December 2017 hailstorm highlighted the importance of comprehensive insurance coverage for vehicles and property, particularly during peak activity periods. Many residents learned valuable lessons about:
• The unpredictability of severe weather during holiday seasons
• The importance of covered parking for valuable items like boats and vehicles
• The need for emergency contact information for repair services
• Quick documentation of damage for insurance purposes
Lessons for Future Events
This hailstorm served as an important reminder for event organizers and community groups about the need for weather contingency planning, particularly during the severe weather season. The disruption to both the Bowls Club Christmas party and the rowing regatta emphasized how quickly celebratory occasions can turn into emergency situations.
Community Resilience
Despite the disruption and damage, the Grafton community's response to the December 2017 hailstorm showcased the area's resilience and preparedness. Local businesses, residents, and organizations worked together to assess damage, arrange repairs, and help affected community members get back to normal as quickly as possible.
References
Clarence Valley Independent: Local news coverage of the hailstorm and community impact. Clarence Valley News
Bureau of Meteorology: Severe weather warnings and historical data. BOM Weather
NSW State Emergency Service: Emergency response protocols and safety information. NSW SES