Powerful seasonal hailstorm sweeps New South Wales, Australia
A powerful thunderstorm accompanied with strong winds, heavy rainfall and hail battered Brisbane, New South Wales, Australia on November 7, 2015.
Australia holds a long tradition of violent storm events between the months of November and March, the period generally known as the "season of storms". This season seems to be no different so far. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) invited residents to remain cautious as the storm was approaching Brisbane area.
Video credit: Meteo Tube
"Storm season is already well underway, and storms have been quite widespread over the past week in New South Wales. The majority of storms in New South Wales occur between November and March, and despite strong El Niño conditions, this year will be no exception for severe thunderstorms affecting the state," BOM's New South Wales Regional Director, Mr Stephen Lellyett said.
Over thousand buildings were cut off electricity in Somerset after the storm's passage over the area, and some areas of Brisbane were still under the severe weather warning during November 8.
#برد نيو ساوث ويلز استراليا اليوم #طقس_العالم #weather_australia #hail_storm pic.twitter.com/7VItKAQrqe
— عالم الطقس (@BaluchDubai) November 7, 2015
"When we talk about severe, we are looking at hail greater than 2 cm (0.78 inches) in diameter, winds greater than 90 kilometers per hour (56 miles per hour), or rainfall conducive to flash flooding," Jess Carey, BOM's spokeswoman said.
Australia has already seen damaging effects of seasonal storms this spring. Experts warn that timely and appropriate preparation can help to reduce or even prevent majority of the damage. Residents are advised to prepare their homes and business to keep themselves and their families safer.
Strong Australian storm serves tennis ball-sized hailstones to Brisbane (IMAGES) https://t.co/TlvNX2I53O pic.twitter.com/VpH9ligHEK
— RT (@RT_com) November 8, 2015
"Cleaning gutters and downpipes, securing or putting away loose items, checking your roof is in good repair and keeping out of flash floodwater are simple measures that can make a big difference when storms strike," added Adam Dent, Commissioner of the New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES).
Featured image: Powerful hailstorm batters Brisbane, Australia, November 7, 2015. Image credit: Meteo Tube
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