Violent thunderstorms break out in Australia by Matt Taylor
Several severe storms swept across parts of New South Wales and Queensland on Sunday and Monday causing flash flooding and damage.
In central and southern Queensland, violent storms struck on Sunday and overnight, downing power lines and leaving more 18,000 properties without power. The storms produced strong and gusty winds, damaging the roofs of several houses and a hospital near Gladstone, central Queensland. Severe thunderstorm warnings remain in place for much of the state today.
In New South Wales, torrential downpours on Monday hit the Hunter Valley in the north of the state, causing flooding and minor damage to property. Cessnock in the Hunter Valley recorded 36mm (1.4 inches) of rain in half an hour, with nearby Tocal recording 48mm (1.9 inches). Large hail up to golf ball size was reported at Raymond Terrace.
November to March is the hottest time of the year for much of Australia. Tropical conditions of high heat and humidity are typical in the northeast with regular violent convective thunderstorms with intense downpours.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology expects further storm development across more coastal parts of Queensland and northern New South Wales later Monday and overnight.
