Thunderstorm activity was at its best and worse yesterday with waterspouts sighted off the coast of Nobby's Head in the afternoon and hailstorms at midday and overnight. Hailstones as large as 6cm were recorded at Raymond Terrace during a fierce storm last night at around 9pm. Roof and car damages were reported. Hail also fell heavily at Warrowbrook, New Lambton and Waratah. Newcastle University had to cancel many of there classes this morning due to the hailstorm. Drifts of up to 80cm deep were still lying in patches at the university car parks at lunch time today. Even though the hail was heavy around the Newcastle University, the hailstones were not any larger then 2cm. Flash flooding also occurred in some suburbs of Newcastle.

The thunderstorm activity observed yesterday was the severest since last summer. Newcastle University recorded the highest 24 hour rainfall total in the state, with 123mm reported at 9am today.

back...