THE State Emergency Service received more than 600 calls for help on Saturday after the region was battered by hail in three consecutive storms.
Boronia Heights, Hillcrest and Logan Village were hardest hit by hail stones up to 10cm in diameter, as big as cricket balls, which caused damage to rooves, windows, skylights and cars.
Wind blew branches into yards, and an SES representative said on Sunday it was remarkable that there were no reports of serious injury or death.
“The damage we saw was mainly structural and flooding, but we think most of the flooding was due to the structural damage,” the representative said.
“There were a number of leaks caused by tile damage, skylights which were smashed and windows.”
People said it was the worst storm they’d seen. And the SES said it was unusual for an area to be hit three times in a single day.
Sarah Deasy at Boronia Heights posted a photo to a community Facebook page showing a single hail stone which registered 300g on the scales.
Others held hail stones up to 10cm in diameter.
Insurance companies will this week be assessing the value of the damage which has left some houses with tarpaulins on their rooves.
The weather bureau has predicted a heavy storm season, and more rain than usual as a result of an el nina weather formation.
Emergency organisations, includng Logan City Council has been warning people to be prepared for storm season – to clean gutters, trim overhead branches, and to maintain a tidy lawn.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Commissioner Greg Leach said it was essential all households took the time now to ensure they were equipped to withstand severe weather events and emergencies.
Most Logan suburbs, from Jimboomba to Beenleigh to Woodridge received warnings on Saturday that extreme weather was on its way.
Mr Leach said wild weather which lashed suburbs in the past week had been a severe reminder.
“Queensland weather can fluctuate significantly, which is why residents should never underestimate the severity of storms and bushfires and the damage they can cause,” he said.
Mr Leach said households could take important steps now to reduce the impact of severe weather and bushfires.
“Removing debris from the around the home, cleaning gutters and downpipes, trimming overhead branches and maintaining a tidy lawn can make a big difference when the weather turns nasty,” he said.
“All households should have emergency and evacuation plans, a well-supplied emergency kit with important items and ensure their insurance is up to date.
“While our highly-trained personnel are ready to respond when called upon, we need the community’s support.
“QFES has been doing a considerable amount of work in local communities throughout Queensland to help residents prepare, including attending events and open days, and regularly providing important safety information to the public.”
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