Hail forms inside strong thunderstorms when updrafts carry raindrops into regions of sub-freezing air high in the atmosphere. Once frozen, the particles are lifted repeatedly through the storm cloud, accumulating additional layers of ice until they become too heavy to remain suspended. When gravity finally wins, the stones fall at significant speed—often exceeding 90 kilometers per hour for larger fragments—posing risks to people, animals and structures on the ground. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology notes that hail larger than two centimeters in diameter is generally considered severe and can damage crops, roofing and solar panels across wide areas (Bureau of Meteorology).
Australia experiences hailstorms in every season, though the highest frequency typically occurs between September and February, when warm ground temperatures and cooler upper-level air combine to intensify convection. Major metropolitan areas, including Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, have each recorded headline-making hail events in recent decades, some involving stones larger than cricket balls. Even smaller hailstones, however, can be destructive when driven by strong winds or when they fall in dense clusters, as appears to be the case in the newly shared video.
The footage also draws attention to the hazards hail presents near swimming pools. Surfaces such as decks, glass pool fences and outdoor lighting are vulnerable to cracking under direct impact. Water itself offers no barrier; once hail reaches the surface, momentum is transferred into the pool, creating waves that can overflow and flood adjacent areas. In public facilities, operators often clear swimmers at the first sign of thunder or hail to reduce the chances of injury from falling ice or slippery walkways. Homeowners, likewise, are advised to move indoors and secure loose objects when hail is forecast or observed.
Although the clip does not indicate whether the property owner took preventative measures, standard guidance includes covering pools with robust tarps, relocating patio furniture to sheltered spots and storing breakable items under sturdy eaves. Insurance providers in hail-prone regions routinely encourage residents to photograph outdoor fixtures before and after severe weather to streamline any future claims. Prompt inspection of roofs, gutters and skylights after a storm can also limit longer-term damage by revealing chips or cracks before moisture intrusion occurs.
Severe hail events often develop rapidly, leaving little time to react once clouds darken. Meteorologists recommend monitoring real-time radar and local alerts during thunderstorm season, as hail typically falls near the storm’s leading edge. Even after hail subsides, lingering thunder and lightning can continue to pose risks, and debris stirred up by strong downdrafts may scatter across yards and streets. Disposal of accumulated hail should be done cautiously, especially if shards of broken glass or sharp branches are mixed with the ice.
The Australian video has been widely shared on social media platforms, prompting viewers to comment on the storm’s intensity and the speed at which the pool’s surface was transformed. While many posts express awe at the natural display, experts emphasize that similar scenes can signal broader damage across a community, particularly when hail is accompanied by heavy rain or high winds. As climate variability influences storm patterns worldwide, the documentation of events like this provides valuable visual evidence for researchers studying the frequency and impact of severe convective weather.
Crédito da imagem: original source
