Aiden Wood
-
Oct 10, 2025
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail Threatens South East Queensland and Northern NSW This Weekend
A significant severe weather event is forecast to impact South East Queensland and Northern NSW this weekend, with meteorologists warning of large hail, destructive winds, and heavy rainfall. Recent severe thunderstorm activity has already brought 8cm hailstones to parts of Queensland, and conditions remain favorable for continued dangerous weather development across the region.
Storm Location
SEQLD & NNSW
Storm Date
Oct 12, 2025
As Australia enters the peak of spring storm season, South East Queensland and Northern NSW residents are being urged to prepare for a potentially dangerous weekend of severe weather. The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that atmospheric conditions are aligning for significant thunderstorm development, with enhanced risk of large hail and destructive winds across the region.
This warning comes just days after severe thunderstorms brought 8cm hailstones to Queensland's Wide Bay and Burnett regions on October 2, 2025, causing substantial property damage and highlighting the increasing intensity of spring weather systems. With warmer sea surface temperatures providing additional energy and moisture, meteorologists are closely monitoring a broad low pressure trough that is expected to trigger widespread severe thunderstorm activity this weekend.
Current Weather Pattern Analysis
The developing weather system represents a classic spring severe weather setup for eastern Australia. A negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) pattern is enhancing atmospheric instability across the region, while very warm air masses over central and eastern Australia are creating the ideal conditions for explosive thunderstorm development.
Areas of particular concern include the Greater Brisbane region, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and extending south into the Northern Rivers region of NSW including Lismore, Casino, and Grafton - areas that have experienced devastating hail damage in recent years.
Swath Map (Recorded Hail)
What to Expect This Weekend
Current meteorological models indicate that thunderstorm development will begin on Saturday afternoon, with the most significant activity expected on Sunday. Residents across South East Queensland and Northern NSW should prepare for:
Large Hail: Hailstones potentially reaching 4-8cm in diameter, similar to the recent events that impacted the Wide Bay region
Destructive Winds: Gusts exceeding 100 km/h capable of downing trees and power lines
Heavy Rainfall: Intense precipitation rates that may lead to flash flooding in urban areas
Lightning Activity: Frequent and dangerous lightning strikes - recent events recorded over 200,000 lightning strikes within a 200km radius
Geographic Risk Areas
The following areas are considered at highest risk for severe weather impacts:
South East Queensland: Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba
Northern NSW: Lismore, Casino, Grafton, Byron Bay, Ballina, Tweed Heads
Extended Risk Zone: Warwick, Stanthorpe, Tenterfield, and surrounding areas
Timing and Development
Storm development is expected to begin over inland areas during Saturday afternoon, before moving eastward toward coastal regions. Sunday afternoon and evening are forecast to see the most intense activity, with multiple supercell thunderstorms possible. The combination of atmospheric instability and wind shear creates ideal conditions for long-lived, rotating storms capable of producing very large hail.
Why This Event is Particularly Concerning
Several factors make this weekend's forecast particularly dangerous:
1. Recent Ground Saturation: Previous rainfall has saturated soils, increasing flash flood risk
2. Peak Spring Timing: October represents the peak month for severe weather in eastern Australia
3. Enhanced Atmospheric Energy: Warmer than average sea surface temperatures are fueling storm intensity
4. Extended Duration: The slow-moving weather system may produce severe weather over multiple days
Essential Storm Preparation Guide for Large Hail Events
Essential Storm Preparation Guide for Large Hail Events
With potentially dangerous hail forecast for this weekend, taking immediate preparatory action can significantly reduce property damage and ensure family safety. Based on lessons learned from recent devastating hailstorms across Queensland and NSW, here's your comprehensive preparation checklist:
1. Immediate Vehicle Protection
Secure Covered Parking: Move all vehicles into garages, carports, or covered parking areas immediately. If unavailable, consider:
• Thick blankets, mattresses, or specialized hail protection covers
• Parking under substantial tree cover (ensuring trees are healthy and well-maintained)
• Community centers or shopping centers that offer temporary shelter
Document Pre-Storm Condition: Take clear photos of your vehicles showing their current condition with timestamps for insurance purposes
2. Property and Home Protection
Roof and Gutter Inspection: Clear gutters and downpipes of debris to prevent water backup. Secure or remove loose roof tiles, and check that skylights are properly sealed.
Window and Glass Protection: Close all external blinds, shutters, or awnings. Consider temporary boarding for vulnerable windows, particularly on the western and northern sides of buildings.
Outdoor Equipment Security: Bring in or securely tie down:
• Garden furniture and decorations
• Trampolines, shade sails, and temporary structures
• Pool equipment and covers
• Solar panel systems (check mounting security)
3. Emergency Supply Preparation
Essential Supplies Kit:
• Battery-powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries
• First aid kit and essential medications
• Non-perishable food and water (3 days minimum)
• Mobile phone chargers and power banks
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape for emergency roof repairs
Important Documents: Secure insurance policies, identification, and property documentation in waterproof containers
4. During the Storm Safety Protocol
Stay Indoors: Remain inside substantial buildings throughout the storm event. Avoid windows and glass doors, particularly those facing the storm's approach.
Safe Room Selection: Choose an interior room away from windows. Basements or ground floor interior rooms offer the best protection from hail damage.
Vehicle Safety: If caught driving when hail begins:
• Pull over safely and turn on hazard lights
• Park away from trees and power lines
• Stay in the vehicle and protect yourself from side and rear window damage
• Cover your head and eyes from potential glass fragments
5. Communication and Monitoring
Weather Monitoring: Continuously monitor Bureau of Meteorology warnings and local emergency services updates through:
• BOM weather app and website
• Local radio emergency broadcasts
• Emergency Alert system on mobile devices
Emergency Contacts: Ensure all family members know emergency contact numbers:
• Emergency Services: 000
• State Emergency Service: 132 500
• Insurance company 24-hour claims line
6. Post-Storm Action Plan
Safety Assessment: Wait for the all-clear before venturing outside. Check for:
• Structural damage to your property
• Fallen power lines or damaged electrical systems
• Gas leaks or water damage
Documentation for Insurance:
• Photograph all damage from multiple angles
• Create detailed written inventories of damaged items
• Keep receipts for any emergency repairs or accommodation
• Contact your insurance company within 24 hours
Temporary Repairs: Make only essential temporary repairs to prevent further damage:
• Tarp damaged roofing areas
• Board broken windows
• Clear blocked drains and gutters
Professional Help: Contact licensed contractors for major repairs. Be wary of door-to-door solicitors after severe weather events.
Remember: Your safety is more important than property protection. Never risk personal safety attempting to protect belongings during active severe weather. Professional storm damage assessment and restoration services like Rebuild Relief can help ensure you receive full compensation for hail damage under your insurance policy.
References
Bureau of Meteorology: Current severe weather warnings and forecasts. BOM Severe Weather
Queensland Emergency Services: Emergency preparedness and response information. QLD Emergency Warnings
NSW State Emergency Service: Storm safety guidelines and emergency assistance. NSW SES
Early Warning Network: Real-time severe weather tracking and alerts. EWN Severe Weather