Summary of Significant Severe Thunderstorm Events in NSW - 1980/1989

1986

3 October 1986
Severe storm Western Sydney with hail

The total damage bill was $161 million. Ten people were injured and hundreds of homes damaged. Affected mainly western suburbs with hail up to 6cm size.

22 January 1986
Severe storm at Orange

Severe hailstorm caused extensive damage to homes and vehicles in the Orange area on the Central Tablelands. Over 100 motor vehicles damaged. Hail up to 7cm size reported with unconfirmed tornado sighting at Burrendong Dam. Total damage bill was $41 million.

1984

8 November 1984
Violent rainfall caused flooding in Sydney

The rain was so heavy, the urban drainage system in eastern and northern Sydney failed, causing extensive damage to homes, vehicles, etc. CBD and eastern suburbs were worst affected. The highest rainfall (24 hrs to 9am 9th) was 248mm at Sydney Botanic Gardens followed by 235mm at Sydney Observatory Hill. This event holds the record for Sydney's highest rainfall in one hour, 120.3mm at Observatory Hill between 10 and 11pm. Total damage bill was $132 million