Gold Coast hailstorm 2003: How the ‘15 minutes of fury’ killed animals and damaged hundreds of homes during Indy race

More than 100 animals were killed and 500 homes damaged as hailstones the size of cricket balls hammered the Gold Coast in a violent storm dubbed the “15 minutes of fury”.

The Gold Coast’s weekend of motor sports has always been known for its thrills and spills, on and off the track.

From the wild crashes of open-wheelers during the classic Indy era to the intensity of the Supercars, there has always been plenty to draw in fans.

But the 2003 race was a much darker affair when a huge storm hit the Gold Coast, causing chaos on the Surfers Paradise street circuit and turning deadly in the city’s south.

More than 100,000 people were packed into the race precinct to watch the race on Sunday, October 26, 2003 on what appeared to be a picture-perfect day for racing.

Rain poured down during the race.

But by 2pm dark clouds had gathered over the skyline and “carnage” struck as a devastating storm began raining hail down.

The storm, dubbed “15 minutes of fury”, damaged more than 474 homes in the city’s south, with some losing roofs, while others were left with shattered windows.

The suburbs which saw the most damage were Elanora, Currumbin, Palm Beach, Tugun and Coolangatta.

Sebasitan Bourdais crashed out during heavy rain in the opening laps

The State Emergency Service (SES) was forced to call in crews from Brisbane and Logan to help with the devastation.

Among those who spoke to the Bulletin at the time were Duringan Street residents Lyn and George Patterson who had lived in Currumbin for more than 20 years.

Their roof caved in during the storm under the weight of the hail stones which smashed through the ceiling.

Mrs Patterson said the storm was the worst she had ever witnessed.

“The storm was so intense you could not see. It was terrifying and the kids were really scared,” she said.

Handful of huge hailstones that damaged outdoor furniture setting in Currumbin

The table and chairs were totally destroyed.

Fellow Currumbin resident Erin Webber’s living room was flooded while her front lawn was covered in hail

“It looked like snow,” she said.

“I can’t believe it. We heard the noise but I never thought it would be this bad.”

Woodgee Street resident Joy Conolly showed off her shattered outdoor furniture and roof tiles.

Most devastatingly, the hail killed more than 100 kangaroos and wallabies at Currumbin Sanctuary as well as a large number of pelicans and other birds.

The race was halted during the hailstorm.

More than 60 other animals from across the city were brought into its hospital for treatment.

Sanctuary spokesman David Luxton told the Bulletin at the time of the devastation.
“All of the animals that were killed were hit by the hail,’’ he said.

“We had hail the size of cricket balls.

“It’s been a fairly sombre mood around here. Everyone has been working really hard to get the sanctuary back in shape.’’

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary was badly hit by the hailstorm. Emma Hutton is pictured with an injured magpie goose.

The storm damage also led to one of the largest number of insurance claims ever made from the Gold Coast for a single day.

More than 2500 claims for around $8m of damage were made, including houses and cars which were left heavily dented

The damage to older fibro houses in the city’s south also uncovered significant amounts of asbestos which the Gold Coast City Council and SES admitted at the time they did not have the resources to clean up.

“It is not so much of a problem now while it is still wet, but when it starts to dry out it could be a real risk,” council engineering services director Warren Day said at the time.

Jason Maidment, Dave Berryman, Richie Love and Ben Russell. Front Angie Walsh all from the Gold Coast, protected themselves from the hailstorm.

The Indy race was able to resume with US rookie Ryan Hunter-Reay winning the race.

“I feel like I’m in a dream,’’ he said. “Unbelievable.’’

Canadian Paul Tracy, who finished 13th, was declared the world champion of the Champ Car series.