The hailstones falling in Australia are absolutely massive
And they’re coming down fast.
Hailstones reportedly the size of golf balls have been crashing down in parts of Queensland and New South Wales.
A severe storm warning is in place in parts of Australia – with lightning, strong winds and hail all expected.
Australians have been taking to social media to share the scenes where they are, with this video from Toowoomba in southern Queensland showing just how much of a pounding some areas are getting.
The Bureau of Meteorology has been keeping people up to date with the storm, and also shared just how big some of the hailstones that are falling have been.
#NSWWeather Warnings current eastern NSW. Here’s an example of what's possible (observed at Coopernook earlier) https://t.co/LCk6UAnMTV pic.twitter.com/kXZEc8NGwG
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) October 26, 2017
They’re pretty massive.
Sometimes nature reminds us who is in charge - 4cm #hail stones in #Newcastle this afternoon pic.twitter.com/xcpQkN86j8
— James McGregor (@JamesMcGregorAU) October 26, 2017
Hail is produced by the types of cloud – cumulonimbus – that are associated with thunderstorms, and require a strong upward wind to form.
Drops of water are taken up and down throughout the thundercloud, freezing as they reach the top. They can stay there for a long time, gathering more and more ice, before getting too big for the updraught to hold them any longer and falling to the ground.
Stones anywhere between 5mm and 15cm can be the result.
People have been advised to move their cars under cover and away from trees because of the large stones in Australia.
And when you see the storm you can understand why.
The super cell has arrived! Storm enveloping Surfers - details and all the pictures, including golf ball sized hail at 530 @9NewsGoldCoast pic.twitter.com/MsiTMC1Rj0
— Penelope Liersch (@penelopeliersch) October 26, 2017
Sensational pic of #GoldCoast #Storm by Drew Chapman taken on our balcony.
— Paul Murray (@PMOnAir) October 26, 2017
Follow him for more pics: https://t.co/tl2LiHosX7 pic.twitter.com/iPLYvjJcFc
A lot of NSW, including Sydney, is expecting thunderstorms between now and Sunday, although there may well be some respite on Friday and Saturday.
If there’s not, safety permitting, maybe people can use Anthony Young’s method for dealing with the hail instead.
Hail Whiskey! If Maginnis won't come to the ice, then let the ice come to Maginnis #abushchristening pic.twitter.com/SmkJNVvE06
— Anthony Young (@antcane1) October 26, 2017
