Australia's costliest hailstorm pelted Sydney's south-western suburbs with giant hailstones as large as oranges, resulting in severe damage to homes, businesses, thousands of vehicles, trees and powerlines. It damaged over 7,000 homes, hundreds of businesses, and downed 140 km of powerlines including three steel towers. 500,000 Melbourne region homes were blacked-out, many being damaged. Huge duststorms spread for hundreds of kilometres in dry conditions removing millions of tonnes of topsoil. Many large buildings and 5,000 cars were also damaged.
Most communities have damage prevention and reduction measures at local level.
Before the Storm Season u Trim tree branches well clear of your house. Familiarise your family with this storm action guide. Listen to your portable radio and disconnect all electrical appliances. Don't use the phone. If necessary, cover yourself with a mattress, doona, blankets, tarpaulin, under a table etc.