Thunderstorms with hail, heavy rain and strong winds occurred in isolated areas of the Hunter this afternoon, causing damage. The thunderstorms developed from approximately 2pm onwards.

A thunderstorm that passed through the Morpeth area (near Maitland) between 3 to 3:20pm, caused minor roof damages and flash flooding. Hailstones as large as 4cm were observed. A maximum wind gust of 111 km/h from the NNW was recorded at Berry Park (4km east of Morpeth). Further more, 29mm of rain fell in less then a 10 minute period and hailstones averaging 3cm in diameter were recorded.

Majority of the thunderstorms this afternoon developed wall clouds. A green tinge surrounded the wall clouds, an indication of hail.

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