Huge Hailstones Blast Melbourne, Australia
By Dave Samuhel, Senior Meteorologist
Mar 7, 2010; 10:11 AM ET
Powerful thunderstorms struck Melbourne, Australia, Saturday with high winds and hail. According to the Australia Bureau of Meteorology the largest hail stones were 4 inches across (softball-sized). Widespread damage occurred, mostly from hail, but also 60 mph winds and flooding.
Satellite image at the time when the powerful thunderstorms slammed Melbourne.
Thunderstorms moved through during the middle of the afternoon. Downtown Melbourne was struck especially hard. Water was 1 to 2 feet deep as it raced through city streets during the downpour. Golf ball-sized hail fell for 10 minutes. A few of the hailstones were as big as baseballs and even softballs.
Marquee landmarks across Melbourne were damaged. The large hail tore holes in the South Cross Train Station, one of the busiest in town. Major roof damage affected the Etihad Stadium and the Arts Centre.
Powerful thunderstorms are not common to Melbourne. The city lies next to a cold body of water, similar to cities on the West Coast of the United States. The monster hail reported in Melbourne could be unprecedented for the city.
The thunderstorms were part of a storm system that has affected eastern Australia for several days. Days after the rain ended, major river flooding is occurring in Queensland and New South Wales.
More Weather News
-
No Explanation for Pennsylvania's Purple Squirrel
Feb 10, 2012; 8:55 PM ET
The third purple squirrel ever found was released back into the forest on Tuesday.
-
Latest Snowfall Totals and Damage Reports
Feb 10, 2012; 8:54 PM ET
Snow has begun piling up across the Great lakes, mid-Atlantic and New England.
-
Mild Winter Impacts One of Nature's Bounties: Ice Wine
Feb 10, 2012; 8:46 PM ET
The unusually mild winter that has been gripping the U.S., is impacting a sweet treat from nature, ice wine.
-
Cozy Up to Your Valentine as Arctic Air Plunges into the US
Feb 10, 2012; 8:42 PM ET
We have an exclusive snuggle index for Valentine's Day weekend as arctic air plunges across the eastern two-thirds of the nation.
-
Weather Impacts Chocolate and Roses
Feb 10, 2012; 8:30 PM ET
Warm weather can affect the production of roses and chocolate, two favorites of Valentine's Day.
-
High Hopes for First Dutch Skating Marathon in 15 Years
Feb 10, 2012; 7:39 PM ET
"If they don't do it this year, who knows when it could happen again."
-
Snowstorm Aims for Boston, Hartford, Providence
Feb 10, 2012; 6:25 PM ET
A rapidly developing snowstorm will take aim over southeastern New England and Long Island late tonight into Saturday, brushing New York City.
-
Peeing Boy Plumbing Problems
Feb 10, 2012; 6:11 PM ET
The Manneken Pis or "peeing boy statue" in Brussels, Belgium, is having a little "going" problem.
-
Weekend Snow for Italy, Balkans
Feb 10, 2012; 6:10 PM ET
A winter storm will set up this weekend, bringing even more snow to winter-weary southern and southeastern Europe.
Daily U.S. Extremes
past 24 hours
| Extreme | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| High | 86° | Borrego Springs, CA |
| Low | -18° | Flag Island, MN |
| Precip | 1.60" | West Palm Beach, FL |
WeatherWhys®
The "Dead of Winter," the one-month period when normal temperatures reach their lowest levels, has come to an end for much of the United States. Some people may find it odd that the "Dead of Winter" does not encompass the darkest day of the year (the first day of winter). That is due to a seasonal lag in temperatures. More heat continues to be lost than is gained from the start of winter until this time of year.
This Day In Weather History
East (1899)
evere Cold Wave
MIDWEST (1960)
nowstorm and High Winds
Rough Weather
Comments
Comments left here should adhere to the AccuWeather.com Community Guidelines. Profanity, personal attacks, and spam will not be tolerated.