Aiden Wood
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Sep 30, 2025
Grafton and Clarence Valley Pummeled by Record 13cm Hail: January 2025's Devastating Strike
January 16, 2025, will be remembered as one of the most devastating weather days in recent Clarence Valley history. At around midday, a severe thunderstorm system unleashed record-breaking hailstones measuring up to 13 centimeters in diameter across Grafton and the wider Clarence Valley region, causing unprecedented damage to homes, vehicles, and infrastructure.
January 16, 2025, will be remembered as one of the most devastating weather days in recent Clarence Valley history. At around midday, a severe thunderstorm system unleashed record-breaking hailstones measuring up to 13 centimeters in diameter across Grafton and the wider Clarence Valley region, causing unprecedented damage to homes, vehicles, and infrastructure.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning at 4:33 PM on Thursday, warning residents across the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast regions about the imminent threat of large hailstones, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding. However, by the time the warning was issued, Grafton and surrounding areas had already experienced the full force of nature's assault.
This extraordinary weather event highlighted the increasing intensity of severe storms in the region and demonstrated the critical importance of rapid emergency response and comprehensive insurance coverage for residents in hail-prone areas of NSW.
Swath Map (Recorded Hail)
The Midday Assault
The severe hailstorm struck Grafton and the Clarence Valley around midday on January 16, 2025, catching many residents and businesses off-guard during what had started as a typical summer day. The storm's intensity was immediately apparent, with hailstones measuring up to 13 centimeters in diameter - roughly the size of cricket balls - causing instant and devastating damage across the region.
Geographic Impact Zone
The Bureau of Meteorology's warning covered an extensive area including the Northern Rivers (Lismore, Grafton, South Grafton, Casino, Yamba, Maclean), Mid North Coast (Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Sawtell), and Northern Tablelands regions. However, Grafton and the immediate Clarence Valley area bore the brunt of the most severe hailstone impacts.
Emergency Response Activation
Emergency services across the region were placed on high alert as reports of damage began flooding in. The combination of record-sized hailstones, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall created a complex emergency situation that required coordinated response efforts across multiple agencies.
Infrastructure and Property Damage
Initial reports indicated widespread damage throughout Grafton and the Clarence Valley, with particular impact on:
• Residential roofing requiring immediate temporary repairs
• Vehicle damage from direct hailstone impacts
• Commercial and public building damage
• Solar panel systems and outdoor equipment destruction
• Flooding in low-lying areas due to the combination of hail and heavy rainfall
The Science Behind the Destruction
The Science Behind the Destruction
The January 16, 2025 hailstorm represents a significant severe weather event that demonstrates the increasing intensity of storm systems affecting the Clarence Valley and Northern Rivers regions of NSW.
Atmospheric Conditions
The development of 13-centimeter hailstones requires specific and intense atmospheric conditions. Such large hail typically forms in supercell thunderstorms with powerful updrafts that can suspend ice particles in the atmosphere long enough for them to grow to extraordinary sizes. The Clarence Valley's geographic location and seasonal weather patterns during summer months create favorable conditions for these extreme weather events.
Regional Vulnerability
The Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, and Northern Tablelands regions are particularly susceptible to severe hailstorms due to their warm, humid coastal conditions meeting cooler air masses from inland areas. This meteorological setup frequently occurs during Australia's spring and summer months, making January an active period for severe weather development.
Insurance and Recovery Implications
The January 2025 hailstorm underscores critical lessons for Clarence Valley residents:
• The importance of comprehensive insurance coverage that specifically includes hail damage
• The need for immediate documentation of damage for insurance claims
• The value of emergency preparedness planning for severe weather events
• The critical importance of rapid temporary repairs to prevent secondary damage
Community Resilience and Support
As Grafton and the Clarence Valley begin the recovery process from this unprecedented hailstorm, the event serves as a reminder of both the region's vulnerability to extreme weather and the importance of community preparedness. Professional storm documentation and expert insurance advocacy become essential tools for ensuring complete recovery from such devastating natural events.
References
Bureau of Meteorology: Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and real-time weather monitoring. BOM Weather Services
NSW Severe Weather: Community storm tracking and damage documentation. NSW Storm Watch
NSW State Emergency Service: Emergency response and recovery information. NSW SES