Sudden Storm Brings Hail, Strong Winds to Sydney and NSW Coast
Table of Contents
- 1. Sudden Storm Brings Hail, Strong Winds to Sydney and NSW Coast
- 2. Hail Reports And Impacted Areas
- 3. safety measures Advised During The Storm
- 4. Frequently Asked Questions About Severe Thunderstorms
- 5. Understanding Severe Weather in New South Wales
- 6. What emergency service number should residents call for assistance during a storm?
- 7. Severe Storm Hits Sydney and NSW Coast on Friday with Hail, Heavy Winds, and Torrential Rainfall
- 8. Impact Across New South Wales
- 9. Key affected Areas
- 10. Detailed Breakdown of Weather Conditions
- 11. Rainfall Totals & Flooding
- 12. Wind Damage & Power Outages
- 13. Hailstorms & Property Damage
- 14. Safety Measures & Emergency Response
- 15. Key Safety Recommendations
- 16. Emergency Service Resources
- 17. Looking Ahead: Recovery and Future Preparedness
Published: November 18, 2023 at 10:00 AM PST | Updated: November 18, 2023 at 10:30 AM PST
Sydney And parts Of The new South Wales Coast Experienced A Rapidly Developing And Intense Storm On Friday Afternoon, Catching Manny Residents By Surprise. The Unexpected Weather Event Brought With It A Combination of Heavy Rainfall, Powerful Winds, And Notable Hail, Impacting Numerous Suburbs Across The Region.
The Bureau Of Meteorology (Bom) Issued A Severe Thunderstorm Warning At 4:30Pm, Alerting Residents To The Potential For Large Hailstones, Damaging Winds, And Heavy Rainfall Across Several Districts, Including the Hunter, Metropolitan, Central Tablelands, Mid North Coast, Illawarra, And Others.
dramatic Footage Captured By 7News Drones Showed Extraordinary Cloudbursts Rolling Over Sydney’s Beaches, While The Storm System Extended Northwards Towards The Mid North Coast. Reports Indicate That the Storm Followed A Day Of Unusually high Temperatures, With Some Western Suburbs Reaching 34 Degrees Celsius Before The Sudden Shift In Weather Conditions.
Hail Reports And Impacted Areas
Bom Recorded Hailstones Up To 3 Centimeters In Diameter In Moorland Around 3:15Pm, Followed By 2 Centimeter Hailstones In Engadine Approximately An Hour Later. Minto, Glenfield, And Campbelltown Were Also Heavily Affected, With Social Media Filled with Images And Videos Of Hail Pelting Down From Darkened Skies.

One Resident Described The Abrupt Change In Conditions, Stating, “It was beach Weather 10 Minutes Ago, And Now It’s Hail On My Brand New Car.” While Local Authorities Have Not Yet Reported Extensive Damage, Residents Were Urged To Take Precautions To Protect Themselves And Their Property.
safety measures Advised During The Storm
Authorities Advised Residents To Move Vehicles Under Cover, Secure Loose Outdoor Items, Avoid Approaching Fallen Power Lines, Stay clear Of Creeks And Storm Drains, And Seek Shelter Indoors Until The Storm Had Passed. The Rapid Onset Of The Storm Highlighted The Importance Of Staying Informed And Prepared For severe Weather Events.
Here’s a quick overview of the storm’s key impacts:
| Location | Reported Hail Size | Time (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Moorland | 3cm | 3:15 PM |
| Engadine | 2cm | 4:20 PM |
| Campbelltown | Variable | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions About Severe Thunderstorms
Do you think current warning systems are adequate to prepare residents for such sudden weather shifts? What further measures could be taken to improve public safety during severe storms?
Understanding Severe Weather in New South Wales
New south Wales, Australia, is prone to a variety of severe weather events, including thunderstorms, bushfires, floods, and heatwaves. It’s diverse geography and climate contribute to these risks. Understanding these risks and implementing appropriate preparedness measures is crucial for protecting communities.
The Bom Plays A Vital Role In Monitoring Weather Conditions, Issuing warnings, And Providing Information To The Public. Staying Up-To-Date With The Latest Forecasts And Warnings Is Essential, Especially During The Storm Season (Typically October To April).
What emergency service number should residents call for assistance during a storm?
Severe Storm Hits Sydney and NSW Coast on Friday with Hail, Heavy Winds, and Torrential Rainfall
Impact Across New South Wales
A severe weather system brought damaging winds, torrential rainfall, and large hail to Sydney and teh New South Wales (NSW) coast on Friday, October 17, 2025. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued warnings throughout the day, urging residents to take precautions. The stormS intensity varied across regions, but widespread disruption was reported. Coastal areas experienced the brunt of the impact, with significant flooding and hazardous surf conditions.
Key affected Areas
* Sydney Metropolitan Area: Intense rainfall led to flash flooding in low-lying areas, particularly in the west and southwest. Transport NSW reported significant delays on rail and road networks.
* Central Coast: Damaging winds exceeding 90km/h were recorded, causing power outages and fallen trees.Coastal erosion was also a concern.
* Hunter Region: Heavy rainfall and strong winds impacted vineyards and agricultural lands. Minor flooding occurred along the Hunter River.
* South Coast: Large hail, some reported as golf ball-sized, caused damage to vehicles and property. Beachside communities faced dangerous surf conditions.
Detailed Breakdown of Weather Conditions
The storm system was characterized by a potent combination of atmospheric factors. A strong upper-level trough interacted with a moist air mass, creating conditions favorable for intense rainfall and severe thunderstorms.
Rainfall Totals & Flooding
Rainfall totals exceeded 100mm in some areas within a 6-hour period. this rapid accumulation of water overwhelmed drainage systems, leading to:
- Flash Flooding: Particularly in urban areas with limited drainage capacity.
- Riverine Flooding: minor to moderate flooding along several rivers and creeks.
- Road Closures: Numerous roads were closed due to flooding, impacting travel and accessibility.
Wind Damage & Power Outages
Sustained winds of 60-80km/h were common, with gusts exceeding 90km/h in coastal areas. This resulted in:
* Fallen Trees: Blocking roads, damaging property, and bringing down power lines.
* Power Outages: Thousands of homes and businesses experienced power outages, with Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy working to restore supply.
* Structural Damage: Reports of minor structural damage to buildings, including damaged roofs and broken windows.
Hailstorms & Property Damage
Severe thunderstorms produced large hail,particularly impacting the South Coast and parts of Sydney. Hailstones, ranging in size from marbles to golf balls, caused:
* Vehicle Damage: Dented car panels and shattered windshields.
* Property Damage: Damaged roofs, broken windows, and damage to gardens and outdoor furniture.
* Agricultural Impacts: Potential damage to crops and vineyards.
Safety Measures & Emergency Response
Emergency services were stretched thin responding to calls for assistance. the State Emergency Service (SES) received hundreds of calls for help, primarily related to fallen trees, flooding, and roof damage.
Key Safety Recommendations
* Stay Indoors: During the peak of the storm, it was advised to stay indoors and away from windows.
* Secure Loose Items: Bring outdoor furniture, toys, and other loose items inside.
* Avoid Travel: If possible, avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions.
* Never Drive Through Floodwater: Even shallow floodwater can be dangerous.
* Report Emergencies: Call 000 for life-threatening emergencies.
* Stay Informed: Monitor the BOM website and local news for updates.
Emergency Service Resources
* State Emergency Service (SES): 132 500
* Bureau of Meteorology (BOM): https://www.bom.gov.au/
* Transport NSW: https://www.transportnsw.info/
* Ausgrid: 131 388
* Endeavour energy: 131 003
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Future Preparedness
The immediate focus is on recovery efforts, including restoring power, clearing debris, and assessing damage. Longer-term,there is a need to improve infrastructure resilience and enhance community preparedness for future severe weather events. This includes investing in improved drainage systems, strengthening building codes, and promoting public awareness campaigns.The NSW government is expected to announce a disaster relief package to support affected communities.