Strong convection due to the high temperatures, led to the development of multicell thunderstorms across the region in early afternoon. The storms started to strike some areas at 2:30pm. One storm, which developed over the Wattagan's, traveled eastwards hitting the Wyong area with severe effects. Winds blew at 100km/h and hailstones were as large as 4cm at Jilliby.

Another significant storm system that developed over Singleton formed into a typical, but large multicell. It started to develop at around 4pm and it eventually extended from Singleton to the north of Maitland and to Gresford. This system traveled towards the ENE, hitting Dungog at approximately 6pm. Hailstones, heavy rain and strong winds accompanied this storm, with Gresford and Dungog being the worst hit places.

Some of the other storms hit Kurri Kurri, southwestern suburbs of Newcastle, Maitland and Muswellbrook. All these storms produced a number of lightning strikes, heavy rain and hailtstones as large as marbles, but were not severe.

back...