• Dec 30, 2025 modified: Dec, 30 2025

Hail up to 13 cm in Brisbane

Bracing for Summer Storms: What Brisbane's 13 cm Hail Means for Your Home

Brisbane is no stranger to wild summer weather, but recent reports of hailstones reaching 13 centimetres in diameter have set a new benchmark for the season's severity. Hail of this size moves well beyond inconvenience. It becomes a force capable of smashing roof tiles, denting vehicles, shattering skylights and damaging outdoor assets in a matter of seconds.

With summer storm activity increasing in intensity, homeowners are increasingly asking: What does giant hail mean for my property, and how can I prepare?

Understanding Giant Hail: How Big Is 13 cm Really?

According to Australian hail size grading, hail is classified as:

• Small (< 2 cm) – minor risk
• Large (2–4.9 cm) – likely to cause damage
• Very large (5–9.9 cm) – destructive
• Giant hail (≥ 10 cm) – extreme damage potential

A 13 cm hailstone sits firmly within the giant hail category. For comparison, that's roughly the size of a softball, and in some cases larger than an adult's palm. Hailstones this size fall at extremely high speeds and can cause:

• Deep dents and cracks in roofing materials
• Broken windows or solar panels
• Damage to pool equipment and outdoor structures
• Significant vehicle damage, even under partial shelter
• Dangerous conditions for anyone caught outdoors

These impacts can quickly translate into expensive home repairs and insurance claims.

Why Brisbane Gets Such Severe Summer Storms

Southeast Queensland is prone to high heat, humidity and strong atmospheric instability in summer — the perfect ingredients for explosive thunderstorm development.

When powerful updrafts inside these storms hold raindrops aloft long enough to freeze and collect layers of ice, hailstones grow larger and heavier.

Brisbane routinely experiences damaging storms between November and March, but recent events demonstrate that these systems are capable of producing hail far beyond everyday expectations.

Hail, Rain and Your Home: What Gets Affected

Summer storms impact more than just roofs and cars. Giant hail can affect several parts of your property, including outdoor areas.

1 Roofing and Gutters

Roofs are the first point of impact. Cracked tiles, dented metal sheets and dislodged gutters are common after large hail. Even minor cracks can later lead to leaks and mould.

2 Windows, Skylights and Solar Panels

Glass and acrylic surfaces are especially vulnerable. A single large hailstone can break through a skylight, or cause irreversible damage to a solar panel.

3 Swimming Pools and Outdoor Areas

Drawing from typical summer storm effects on backyard pools, sudden rain and hail can:

• Throw debris and contaminants into pool water
• Damage pool pumps and covers
• Knock pH and chemical balance out of range
• Cause cracked tiles or coping if hail hits hard enough
• Stormwater runoff also increases the load on filtration systems.

4 Cars and Outdoor Equipment

Vehicles left outside, even under light coverings, are almost always dented by hail of this size. Outdoor furniture, shade sails and metal fixtures can also take a heavy beating.

Preparing Your Home for Severe Hail Events

Although storms can develop suddenly, a few proactive steps can reduce damage:

Secure your outdoor area

Store loose objects, umbrellas, toys, and light furniture that can get thrown around during storms.

Protect your car

Use a garage or carport where possible. Purpose-designed hail protection covers are also useful for large hail events.

Maintain your roof

Repair cracked tiles, secure flashings and ensure gutters are clear. A well-maintained roof withstands hail impacts far better.

Shield your pool equipment

Use protective covers on filters and pumps. After a storm, test pool chemistry to prevent long-term water imbalance.

Monitor weather alerts

The Bureau of Meteorology's warnings give valuable lead time to secure your property.

What to Do After a Hailstorm

1 Document the damage – Take photos of affected areas before any cleaning or repairs.

2 Inspect your roof safely – Or better yet, have a professional do it.

3 Check outdoor systems – Look over your pool, equipment, solar panels and gutters.

4 Contact your insurer promptly – Giant hail events often lead to a surge in claims.

A New Reality for Brisbane Summers

Brisbane's recent 13 cm hail event serves as a reminder that severe summer storms are not just seasonal inconveniences—they're powerful weather systems capable of causing significant property damage in minutes.

Homeowners who understand hail risks, prepare their outdoor spaces and stay alert to storm warnings will be in a stronger position as summer storms continue to intensify.