Sydney, 15 November. A powerful spring storm swept across Sydney on Saturday afternoon, delivering intense bursts of hail, booming thunder and damaging winds. Rapidly forming storm cells brought sudden weather chaos to multiple suburbs, especially in Sydney’s southern region.
BOM issues severe thunderstorm warning
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) released a severe thunderstorm alert for large areas of New South Wales, warning residents of:
- strong, damaging winds,
- heavy downpours, and
- the possibility of giant hailstones.
A second alert issued shortly after 4 pm stated that thunderstorms detected near Camden and Sydney Olympic Park were moving southeast and were expected to intensify further.
Storm weakens near 5 pm but danger remains
The weather system began easing slightly before 5 pm, but the BOM cautioned that the unstable conditions could allow new storm cells to redevelop, prompting residents to remain alert.
Thunder and hail rattle Greater Sydney
People across Greater Sydney reported repeated, loud cracks of thunder ringing through the city.
Several southern suburbs were hit by hail, leaving streets, gardens and rooftops coated in white as the storm passed.
Why did the storm intensify so quickly?
Meteorologists say the sudden shift in temperature along with high atmospheric moisture created ideal conditions for a fast-developing severe thunderstorm.
Although spring storms are common in November, Saturday’s storm cell intensified more rapidly than expected, producing a dangerous mix of lightning, strong winds and hail.
