Sunshine Coast Hailstorms: From Cricket-Ball Hail in 2019 to a 2025 Catastrophe
The Sunshine Coast has been hit by two major hail catastrophes in recent years — cricket-ball hail in 2019 and baseball-sized hail in 2025. Here's what homeowners need to know.
Storm Location
Sunshine Coast
Storm Date
17 Nov 2019
Two Catastrophes in Six Years
On 17 November 2019, a severe hailstorm swept the Sunshine Coast with cricket-ball-sized hail reported across the greater region. The Insurance Council of Australia declared it a catastrophe, with losses estimated at around $115 million.
It happened again, on a larger scale, on 24 November 2025, when a record-breaking supercell drove baseball-sized hail through South East Queensland, including the Sunshine Coast and Noosa. The storm knocked out power to more than 162,000 properties at its peak and was declared a catastrophe within days.
Weather Map (Swathe Data)
The Damage Hiding on Your Roof
Cricket-ball and baseball-sized hail cracks tiles, dents metal sheeting, damages flashing and shatters solar panels — and much of it is invisible from the ground until water finds its way in months later.
What to Do After a Hailstorm
1. Stay safe. Keep clear of broken glass, debris and downed powerlines.
2. Document the damage. Capture time-stamped photos and videos of your roof, windows, solar and vehicles.
3. Get a professional roof inspection. A trained inspector documents the damage your insurer needs to see.
4. Lodge your claim promptly. Early reporting strengthens your position.
How Rebuild Relief Can Help
We offer free roof inspections and full hail damage claims management, backed by our No-Win, No-Fee basis.
Why the Sunshine Coast Keeps Getting Hit
The Sunshine Coast's position on the warm, humid SEQ coastline — with the hinterland ranges close behind — makes it a frequent target for severe storms through the spring and summer season. Two catastrophes in six years is a clear signal that hail is a question of when, not if.
From Caloundra to Noosa, the smart move is to stay ahead of it. Book your free Sunshine Coast roof inspection today.
Rebuild Relief is a licensed claims management service. Every claim is unique and assessed on its own merits — including your policy terms, roof condition, the extent of damage and your insurer's requirements. Results vary significantly and we do not guarantee any outcome; claims are determined by insurers. This article is general information only and is not personal financial, legal or insurance advice. ClaimsCo Pty Ltd trading as Rebuild Relief (ACN 648 518 165, AFSL 530925, ABN 78 648 518 165).
References
Risk Frontiers (2019) 'November 2019: Sunshine Coast Hailstorm'. Available at: https://riskfrontiers.com/insights/november-2019-sunshine-coast-hailstorm/
Sunshine Coast News (2025) 'Hail storm declared catastrophic event'. Available at: https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au/2025/11/27/hail-storm-declared-catastrophic-event/
Storm and insurance information in this post is provided in good faith but may contain errors or omissions. Do not rely on it as advice; always verify details independently and consult your insurer or adviser before acting.