Massive hail storm in the southern suburbs of Canberra , Australian Capital Territory ,Australia

[Gavin O'Brien]

Hi all,

On Monday evening  25th January we experienced a very severe Thunderstorm with heavy hail up to 3cm diameter laying up to 80cm deep on the lawns by the end of the event. There was significant damage  to ceilings and rooms of many houses in the Tuggeranong Valley area as the hail blocked roof gutters and downpipes causing water to flow in to roof spaces. The worst damage was where the hail blocked roof valleys , causing backup and overflow of water into roof spaces. Roofing on pergolas was shot through with holes or totally destroyed . Fortunately maximum wind gusts  of 50 - 55 km/hr were not destructive.

There was significant damage to vegetation and tree leaves with a carpet of shredded leaves left on the ground. Most fruit on trees was destroyed if not protected with bird netting. All vegetables were destroyed. Maximum rainfall rate at Gilmore North was 256.0mm/hr at 19.30 and 19.35 hours,( the data logger was set for 5 minute intervals). The hail storm lasted from 19.30 to 19.45 approximately with rain continuing until 20.25.A second storm from 20.40 to 21.10 was not as intense .There was no further hail but with the large amount of hail still lying on roofs and in gutters the extra rainfall up to 24.4mm/hr. at 21.05 hours did not help the situation. Attached is an analysis of the event as recorded by the PWS at Gilmore North. The data can be seen on the "Weather Underground "site under Gilmore North.

Gavin O'Brien

Southside Weather Watch ACT,

Gilmore ACT

Australia