A hailstorm brought about by unusual weather conditions created widespread flooding and significant damage to the city of Brisbane. The cause of the extreme weather was a vast difference between the ground temperature and a below freezing stratosphere temperature, combined with damp air situated on the coast.

Hail was reported as being 15 centimetres deep across roads in some areas. There was significant damage to buildings and cars. Over 200 lightning strikes were recorded – as a result Brisbane Airport was required to close for an hour until the storm subsided. Approximately 6,500 properties lost power and the State Emergency Service responded to 160 calls as a result of flooding waters, fallen power lines and trees.

The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2005 damage at $17.6 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $28 million.