“That’s uncommon … that’s not just a standard storm,” Hines said.
“The atmospheric conditions all have to align, and you need a very powerful storm before that becomes possible.”
Hail stones in Mount Hallen, south of Esk in south-east Queensland. In other areas stones 9 centimetres across – more than one centimetre bigger than a cricket ball – were reported.
At the 150th anniversary fair at Esk State School, north-west of Brisbane, paramedics treated nine people for injuries. Four were taken to hospital.
Images posted to social media showed some small food trucks and buildings were badly damaged.
“We’re all okay … unfortunately we’ve sustained significant damage and will be closed until further notice,” vendor Devilish Doughnuts said.
Krunchy Kandy employee Caleb sustained a gash to his head and possible broken hand while attempting to help other business owners pack up during the downpour.
A structure at Esk State School, with its roof punctured by hail. Credit: Deb Frecklington MP
Attorney General Deb Frecklington represents Esk as the member for Nanango.
“Thanks to all who assisted and thoughts with those who were injured and [stallholders] who lost their wares,” she said in a community statement.
Thousands were without power immediately after the storm across south-east Queensland, but fewer than a dozen outages remained on Sunday morning.
Inner Brisbane was spared the worst of the downpour, with a severe but brief lashing about 3pm clearing to sunshine just over an hour later.
“Some places get by with sort of minor glancing impact, which seems like that was the case there,” Hines said.
More rain is forecast on Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures across the south-east expected to drop well below average.
