Hail made driving conditions more perilous in the Queanbeyan area. Photo: Brent Hunter.
One NSW SES volunteer spent his 33rd birthday helping the community after a “wildcard” shower of hail inundated parts of the Queanbeyan region.
Queanbeyan deputy unit operations commander Brent Hunter was one of nine volunteers called out to mop up in the wake of storms in the area on Tuesday afternoon (29 April).
“In my 16 years with the SES, I’ve never seen that sort of hail in Karabar,” he said.
“There was only 13 millimetres of rain, but the hail was the wildcard. Karabar just got absolutely smashed.
“I’m genuinely surprised we didn’t receive more calls for help.”
The unit responded to five calls – four in Karabar and one in Jerrabomberra – to assist with water damage and blocked drains as a result of the hail.
It was as the unit was driving along Thornton Road, near the netball courts, that they decided to take on an additional task.
Brent said he’d noticed the road was slippery as a result of the hail, so they decided to stop and sweep away the ice.
“It wasn’t a call we received, it was just something we wanted to do to make it safer for people in Karabar,” he said.
Kids with their fathers had an impromptu snowball fight with the gathered hail, and the volunteers were roped into the fun.
“These [kinds of weather events] can be quite distressing, but it was also great to see people making the best of the situation,” Brent said.
A severe weather warning had been issued for Canberra and the surrounding areas.
The damaging winds and flash flooding did not eventuate, with the ACT SES responding to two calls for help for minor roof leaks.
“Fortunately, the ACT was not heavily impacted,” an Emergency Services Agency spokesperson said.
However, traffic in Canberra was affected due to darkened skies, heavy rain, and afternoon peak crashes.
There were at least two crashes from 4 pm in the north and southbound lanes of the Tuggeranong Parkway between Cotter Road and Forest Drive, which blocked one lane and banked up traffic.
Brindabella Road was also closed in both directions at Piccadilly Circus due to an accident.
It is too early to state whether the crashes were the result of the rain. However ACT Policing Detective Acting Inspector Jonathon Turkich said the risk of being involved in a collision increased during wet weather.
“Drivers should slow down, turn your headlights on, and increase the distance between the car in front and yourself. Pay attention to the road as other vehicles can brake suddenly and it takes longer to brake in wet weather,” he said.
“In bad weather, do not attempt to cross a flooded road, bridge or causeway. You never know what the water depth, flow or road damage might be.
“Drivers are always urged to exercise caution on the roads in all conditions. We want to ensure you get to your destination safely.”
Although it’s currently not storm season, the same preparedness messages remain in effect.
Brent said storms during this period could present their own challenges, given the cold meant smaller hail wouldn’t disappear as quickly.
He advised people to ensure their drains and gutters were clear of autumn leaves and to make sure overhanging branches were trimmed.
“These are minor household tasks that we sometimes take for granted, but they can save a lot of heartache down the track,” Brent said.
If you need assistance during a storm or floods, contact the SES on 132 500.
Original Article published by Claire Fenwicke on Region Canberra.
