Clean-up begins after giant hail, winds batter Maryborough

A clean-up has been underway across Maryborough after large hailstones fell and trees were brought down across the city.

A massive clean-up has begun after a wild storm hit parts of Maryborough on Monday, with winds bringing down large trees and branches, and giant hail damaging roofs, solar panels and windows.

Council workers were kept busy in Queens Park and Granville’s Brendan Hansen Park on Tuesday removing downed trees and fixing the damage.

Social media lit up with images of large hailstones and downed trees across the city, while some reported damage to their homes in the aftermath of the storm the also ripped through Gympie about midday, unleashing hailstones up to 11cm in diameter.

Hundreds were left without power in Maryborough and surrounding areas on Monday as crews worked to repair storm damage.

Fallen trees in Queens Park.

“In the aftermath of yesterday’s severe storm through Maryborough, I am immensely proud of our dedicated council teams that got straight in to take action,” Fraser Coast councillor Paul Truscott said.

“Their swift prioritisation of safety in damaged areas followed by the effective clean-up efforts showcases their commitment to our region and people.

“Let’s all stay vigilant and support one another, ensuring safety remains our top priority during natural disasters.

“The clean-up efforts are underway today and may take some time, so we thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”

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A Bureau of Meteorology spokesperson said about 27mm of rain fell in Maryborough in 33mm in Bidwill.

He said there was a slight chance of showers across the Wide Bay on Tuesday, with temperatures to reach into the low 30s.

The region could now look forward to a dry period, depending on what direction potential tropical cyclone Jasper takes next week.

BoM spokesperson Daniel Hayes said there was a 55 per cent change the system would have strengthened enough to be named as cyclone on Tuesday night.

Fallen trees in Queens Park.

“On Wednesday that rises to a 70 per cent chance, so most likely it will become Cyclone Jasper tonight or early tomorrow morning,” he said.

The storm that hit Maryborough also caused considerable damage in Gympie.

The cell started developing between Kandanga and Gympie about 11.45am.