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Writer's pictureLynna Tan

Gympie breaks the 135-year hail storm record, producing 15.5cm large hailstones.

Updated: Oct 10



Introduction:

Gympie has weathered an unprecedented hailstorm as of the 4th of December 2023. Breaking a 135-year record set back in 1888 when the size of the hail that was recorded measured 13cm in diameter. This year, Gympie recorded hail as big as 15.5cm! This blog covers the aftermath of this significant event and the steps Rebuild Relief can take to help.


About Gympie:

Situated in the Sunshine Coast hinterland of Queensland, Gympie is home to 53,242 residents residing in 24,715 homes across a sprawling 6,884 square kilometers. With a balanced demographic of 49.6% male and 50.4% female residents, the town stands resilient in the face of natural challenges.


Understanding the Hailstorm’s Impact:

The December 2023 hailstorm in Gympie has undoubtedly taken a toll on the community physically and emotionally. Giant hailstones, up to 16cm in diameter, have caused significant damage to homes, buildings, and cars. The storm was accompanied by heavy rain and wind gusts of 70mph. Hail Trace's illustrative map shows the purple zone, indicating areas of major damage, vividly capturing the extent of the havoc wreaked upon Gympie during this unfortunate event.


Hail Trace of Gympie Map

Source: Hail Trace App, 4 December 2023


Another map source was taken from Weather Watch which shows the severity of the hail storm damage coloured in red and blue.


Weather Watch Map of Gympie Impacted Hailstorm

Source: Met Centre, Weather Watch, 4 November 2023


The Bureau of Meteorology issued thunderstorm warnings before giant hail hit the region at 12:58 pm on December 4th. The storm was described as "very dangerous" and detected in the north of Gympie.


BOM on Thunderstorm Warning from X

Source: BOM X, 4 November 2023


According to a news article from ABC (ABCNews, 2023) on November 4, 2023, Gympie and other areas in South-East Queensland were hit by severe weather conditions that caused a lot of damage. The article included pictures and videos from different sources that showed houses, cars, and farming crops that were destroyed.


Rebuild Relief's Response:

Rebuild Relief is committed to providing comprehensive support in the aftermath of the Gympie hailstorm. Our FREE roof inspections and expert claims management ensure a seamless path to recovery. From handling insurance communication to offering information and updates throughout the claims journey, we stand by the Gympie community in its journey towards rebuilding and restoration.


Weather Advisory and Emergency Contact:

It is important to stay informed about the weather conditions in your area. We previously covered a blog post on the 5 best weather apps ahead of Australia's storm (click here to read the blog). This will help you to be prepared for any potential weather-related hazards and take necessary precautions. In case of an emergency or immediate action, it is recommended to contact Queensland SES for assistance. Being well-informed will enable you to take necessary precautions and protect your property and belongings.


Conclusion

The hailstorm that broke records in Gympie has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the unpredictable and often devastating nature of extreme weather events. Through preemptive steps and community support, we can mitigate the risks posed by such disasters Rebuild Relief extends its helping hand to the Gympie community during this tragic time. We are here to help you.


Schedule your FREE roof inspection here

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