Devastation has swept across Queensland as severe hailstorms and storms wreaked havoc throughout the region, leaving communities grappling with extensive damage. Overnight storms struck particularly hard, affecting areas including Stanthorpe, where giant hailstones and powerful wind gusts were reported. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) confirmed the storms were marked by wind gusts reaching up to 107 km/h, particularly noted at Yeppoon. Hailstones measuring between 6 to 10 centimeters fell on Stanthorpe, transforming the region's streets and properties.
The Southern Downs region appeared to bear the most substantial brunt of the weather events. Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Melissa Hamilton, caught driving through the storm, described the intense experience. She recounted how the hailstones were so large they brought traffic to a complete halt, stating, "The hailstones were very large and all traffic came to a halt. It was quite alarming." Hamilton’s concerns immediately turned to the local horticultural industry, which has been severely affected at such a pivotal time.
Local farmers stood at the frontline of the devastation. Reports from the Granite Belt Growers Association highlighted extensive losses, particularly among producers near Dalveen, Applethorpe, and Pozieres, who were on the verge of their first harvest. Narissa Corfe from the association lamented the damage, admitting, "A lot of our apples and berries have been dramatically affected... One of our growers has been fully wiped out for the season," reflecting the dire situation just before the harvest season.
While the storms were fierce, they were not localized to just southern Queensland. Central and northern areas of the state were also hit with severe weather leading to heavy rainfall, strong winds, and dangerous lightning. BOM Senior Forecaster Miriam Bradbury warned about the risks associated with such storms, noting, "The observation from Yeppoon definitely meets our criteria for damaging wind gusts," and stressed the potential for trees to be uprooted and property to sustain structural damage.
Emergency response teams reported receiving 17 calls for assistance on Tuesday night, mainly addressing structural damage and fallen trees caused by the storms. Rainfall was equally significant, with up to 58 millimeters recorded within just one hour at Emerald Crest near Mareeba, alongside other areas experiencing similarly dramatic downpours. Gregory Downs even noted 96 millimeters of rain fall within one hour early Wednesday morning—testament to the storm's intensity.
Contrasting with the prevalence of storms across the eastern regions, the western areas of Queensland were gripped by extreme heatwave conditions. Mount Isa, Birdsville, and Longreach all recorded scorching temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Bulloo Shire Mayor John Ferguson expressed concern about the drought-like conditions, remarking on the insufficient rainfall, which exacerbated issues not just for farmers, but for the entire community dealing with heat stress and drying pastures.
Weather warnings have remained active across Queensland, with the BOM advising residents to remain vigilant about potential hail and gusty winds. The forecasts predict another round of storms might develop later this week, generating anxiety among local farmers already struggling to recover from the latest impact. Additional warnings stressed not just the risk of severe storms but the combination of heatwave conditions which could create unexpected threats.
Event cancellations began piling up following the storm's aftermath, with one race meeting called off in Emerald due to waterlogged tracks. It was deemed unsafe for racing under the circumstances, reversing earlier trends where races had been canceled for heat-related reasons.
With storm and heatwave forecasts intertwining, authorities have urged Queensland residents to prepare for fast-changing weather conditions. Residents are advised to secure loose objects outside, defer non-essential travel, and keep informed about the latest updates from the BOM. The tumultuous weather serves as both a reminder and a call to action for preparedness—a lesson underscored by Stanthorpe's recent experiences. The unpredictable Australian weather continues to challenge residents across the state, prompting them to stay alert and prepared as they navigate the aftermath of these powerful storms.