On 17 January 2001, north-eastern New South Wales experienced a severe thunderstorm; the worst impact occurred in the town of Casino.

Heavy rain caused local flash flooding. Approximately 59 millimetres of rain was recorded including 31 millimetres in just ten minutes. Hailstones up to 7 centimetres were reported in some areas. Gale force winds in some instances exceeding 110 kilometres per hour inflicted damage to 800 homes and 300 motor vehicles.

Power lines fell, cutting power to the town. It is estimated that 30,000 properties lost power in the region as a result of the storm. As the storm moved towards Queensland, a 73 knot gust was recorded at the Evans head weather station.

The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2001 damage at $35 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $65 million.