Sydney experienced a severe hailstorm that caused unprecedented damage, with hailstones reaching sizes of up to 9 centimeters. The storm system, which struck the city in the afternoon, unleashed a torrent of rain and hail, impacting several suburbs, particularly around Sydney's central business district, suburban areas, and surrounding regions. The intensity of the hail resulted in significant damage to roofs, vehicles, and windows. Local infrastructure, including public transportation, was disrupted as the city grappled with the consequences of the meteorological phenomenon.

Emergency services were inundated with calls as residents sought assistance and reported damages. The Australian Insurance Industry faced a historic number of claims due to the scale of the devastation, with losses estimated at A$2.3 billion, making it the costliest natural disaster in Australia’s recorded history. The impact of the storm was felt throughout the community, leading to the need for government support to assist those affected. Repair efforts were extensive, with focus on rebuilding and restoring affected areas in the wake of the storm.

In addition to the immediate physical impact, the event spurred discussions about climate change and urban planning concerning severe weather events. Meteorologists began to evaluate the storm's characteristics and frequency patterns, highlighting concerns over the potential for similar incidents in the future due to changing weather conditions. The event underscored the importance of preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the face of natural disasters.