On 8 October 2007 a super-cell thunderstorm with large hailstones the size of tennis balls hit Lismore at 1.50 pm causing chaos in the central business district. There was extensive damage to central Lismore as a result of the large hail and strong winds. South Lismore was hit again on 9 October by hail 6 cm in diameter and strong winds estimated at 100 km per hour, which caused widespread damage. Approximately 20 mm rain fell in 10 minutes. Seventeen people were injured by hail or flying glass from smashed windows. Homes and motor vehicles were damaged, trees were uprooted by flash flooding and there were many power outages. Buildings were damaged including City Hall, the police station, ambulance station, hospital and other council buildings as well as small businesses.

There were approximately 300 calls for assistance received by the SES.

The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2006 damage at $97 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $109 million.