Extreme weather has struck Victoria with intense storms unleashing golf ball-sized hail, heavy rain, flash flooding, and damaging winds across the state. These thunderstorms brought massive hailstones, particularly in Bendigo, where hailstones reached the size of golf balls, causing significant property damage. The SES received over 135 emergency calls within hours, emphasising the urgent need for reliable hail damage insurance.
Victoria has recently been battered by extreme weather, with intense storms bringing heavy rain, flash flooding, and damaging winds across the state. The Bendigo area, in particular, experienced severe hailstorms, with hailstones reaching the size of golf balls. This extreme weather event has caused significant property damage, underscoring the urgent need for reliable hail damage insurance in Victoria.
The Impact of Bendigo Hail Storm
During the storm, Channel 9 reported that residents like Steve and Christine Gaunt found themselves trapped in their Bendigo home as hailstones pummeled their property. Five cars and their caravan were severely damaged. Christine described the storm as terrifying, with hail hitting the ground so forcefully that it created large mud splashes. Steve likened the aftermath to a war zone, with overflowing gutters, waterfall-like spouts, and holes punched through their skylight.
Reports from meteorologist Miriam Bradbury confirmed that hailstones in Bendigo measured between five to six centimeters in diameter, adding to the widespread destruction.
Widespread Storm Damage Across Victoria
The severe weather wasn’t confined to Bendigo. In Bridgewater, efforts to shield vehicles from the hail proved futile. White Hills, true to its name, saw its football field blanketed in hail, leading to the cancellation of scheduled games. Additionally, areas like Craigieburn and Croydon experienced street flooding, with water levels rising dangerously around cars.
Wind gusts reached nearly 150 kph at Mt Buller and 109 kph at Melbourne Airport, adding to the chaos. The State Emergency Service (SES) issued an urgent alert, advising residents to avoid driving and to stay clear of trees, drains, and low-lying areas prone to flooding. The SES also warned that the storms could destabilise trees, increasing the risk of falling branches. They recommended moving vehicles undercover and away from trees to minimise potential damage.
The recent severe storms in Bendigo and across Victoria highlight the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events, read our recent blog on storm preparation here. If your property has been affected by hail or storm damage, acting quickly is crucial.
Stay Informed and Prepared
As extreme weather events become more frequent, staying informed and prepared is essential. We covered the best weather apps to download in one of our previous blogs; read it here. Keep an eye on weather alerts, and take proactive measures to protect your property. In the event of a storm, follow SES guidelines, and ensure your insurance coverage is up to date.
For more information on how to protect your home from hail damage or to learn more about our insurance services, visit our website or contact us directly. Stay safe, and remember that we’re here to help you weather any storm.
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