Hailstorm hits Toormina and Sawtell, with more wild weather on the way

People are still cleaning up from the ferocious supercell hailstorm last week and there are more severe storms predicted for the Coffs Coast.

The storms keep rolling in across the Coffs Coast and there could be more on the way.

The Bureau of Meteorology predicts severe storms across the Mid North Coast on Friday afternoon.

Coffs Harbour and Kempsey are right in the firing line for possible damaging winds, heavy rain and more hail.

More storms on the way. The dark red section indicates ‘severe thunderstorms likely’.

People are still cleaning up from the ferocious supercell hailstorm last Wednesday (October 20).

Parts of Coffs Harbour were hit again on Saturday evening and then again on Thursday afternoon areas north of Coffs Harbour including Woolgoolga and Sandy Beach copped even more hail.

Hail Sandy Beach on Thursday afternoon (October 28).

Freak hailstorm hits, October 20

The winds picked up about 2.30pm and hail poured down covering some streets in a thick blanket.

Toormina and Sawtell were hit particularly hard with the roof of Lowes in the Toormina Gardens Shopping Centre collapsing as horrified shoppers looked on.

Crystal Chriscoe took this photo near the William Bayldon Public School at Toormina on Wednesday afternoon.

Hundreds of shoppers had to be evacuated from the centre.

A large-scale multi agency response team has been established to respond to what the State Emergency Service is describing as a “supercell” event.

By 4pm there were already close to 300 calls for assistance with fears that number would climb as people returned home after work.

There were traffic lights out and trees down on roads and extensive traffic delays along Hogbin Drive heading towards Toormina.

Crystal Chriscoe took this photo at Toormina of the ferocious hailstorm which lashed the region on Wednesday afternoon. Picture: Crystal Chriscoe.

On Thursday morning NSW SES Assistant Commissioner, Dean Storey, said there had been more than 830 requests for assistance and this number is expected to keep climbing.

“The vast majority of the requests we have received have been for damaged and leaking roofs,” Mr Storey said.

“The storm also caused extensive damage to the Toormina Shopping Centre, and damage to a number of nursing homes in the area.”

“Our volunteers will be on the ground supporting the community and will be working as quickly as possible with support from our emergency services partners,” he said.

Toormina resident Crystal Lee Chriscoe took photos and video of the storm.

“It sounded like huge rocks falling on the house,” she said.

“It was so loud we couldn’t hear ourselves talk.”

The humid air mass which contributed to the cell created foggy conditions and reduced visibility on the roads.

Fog and hail at Toormina on Wednesday afternoon.

A number of schools including Bishop Druitt College were closed on Thursday due to the storm damage.

A humid air mass east of the northern tablelands is combining with strong upper winds associated with an upper trough leading to severe thunderstorms across the region.

Members from the Coffs Harbour NSW SES were recently involved in assisting the Armidale Unit after a tornado tore through the town causing significant damage - flipping cars, tearing roofs off houses, and uprooting trees.

Cleaning up at Toormina after the incredible hailstorm that whipped through on Wednesday October 20.

Those requiring assistance from NSW SES are urged to contact 132 500, or if the situation is life threatening, call triple-0 (000).

Mr Storey said there is an increased chance of storms and events such as this one continuing to happen right through to March next year.

“Storms can happen at any time and they don’t discriminate.

Hail blanketed the ground after a storm hit the Mid-North Coast town of Toormina on Wednesday. Picture: Euan Bloomer

“We are only a few weeks into Storm Season, and we have already seen what it can bring.

“That is why it is important communities right across NSW are aware of their risks and are prepared.

“If anyone needs assistance in preparing for potential storms, I encourage you to visit our website ses.nsw.gov.au,” he said.

For emergency assistance in storms or floods, please call NSW SES on 132 500, or if the situation is life-threatening call triple-0 (000) immediately.