New South Wales hailstorm damage could cost tens of millions
The sudden hailstorm that hit New South Wales, which we reported yesterday, could result in tens of millions of dollars of damage to crops and infrastructure.  "This storm has damaged about 10%-15% of the New South Wales blueberry crop, a lot of fruit was ready to harvest" says the Department of Primary Industries officer, Philip Wilk.  An Agriculture Natural Disaster report is being compiled to assess the damage and cost..

A sudden storm has sprung a surprise on coastal areas of New South Wales, blanketing the area in huge hailstones.

The wintry weather returned around lunchtime on Thursday – just a day after the temperature hit the high 20s – when the Bureau of Meteorology warned of severe thunderstorms producing large hailstones, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, and damaging winds.

Hail is hammering Central Coast NSW and Maitland. Sydney could get storm next. @9NewsSyd pic.twitter.com/BuF2KWrgc7 — Natalia Cooper (@Natalia_Cooper9) September 17, 2015

Soon, people from areas stretching from Coffs Harbour on the north coast through to Port Macquarie, Newcastle in the Hunter region and the central coast, posted pictures of the hailstones.

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The storms appeared to pass almost as quickly as they appeared, though the bureau said at 12.25pm a more general warning remained in place for for the mid north coast and parts of the northern rivers and Hunter areas.

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In the aftermath, the State Emergency Service advised people to keep clear of fallen power lines as well as creeks and storm drains.



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Others found more entertaining ways to deal with what the storm had thrown up.

Hail the size of golf balls blanketing the Aspect Hunter School playground - @1233newcastle @newcastleherald pic.twitter.com/Joc9hK5FJ5 — Craig Smith (@wrenasmir) September 17, 2015

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Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Shaun Luscombe earlier said those in south-east Queensland should brace for severe thunderstorms from Thursday afternoon into the evening.