Sydney Severe Storms Hail and Rain 25th September 2014

Temperatures in the western suburbs crept up to the mid-20's which provided more than sufficient heating together with moisture to push up towers ahead of weaker early development. As expected, storms did develop in the Sydney region with a cell rapidly developing to the west of Penrith. The storm intensified and headed generally east towards Blacktown. With a decent base, and a couple of photographs from my place, it was time to reposition for time-lapse opportunity. The storm was organising early on the northern side particularly but gradually developed more of a linear configuration complete with developing shelf cloud. Lightning was frequent at times. As the storm neared, my focus was to position into and ahead of the core. With hailstones falling, I attempted to maintain some positioning with respect to the most intense core. Eventually I was able to observe hail in the order of 1 to 1.5cm in diameter. The storm then made more of an easterly push further east towards the coast. Next stop Central Coast. With storms developing near Newcastle and an isolated cell further west near Putty, I set up near Morisset. From here it took some time for this cell to drift closer with intensification to a black core on radar. More cells developed to the east and southeast of the main core of the storm with spectacular rippled base. The storm hit with gusty winds and heavy rain and perhaps a couple of hailstones. Unfortunately, the storm had moderated somewhat by the time it was within reach. So close but not enough! With a last attempt to head in position to get a cell that had developed near Richmond heading northeast, I re-positioned near Gosford. unfortunately, the cells became embedded in a rain complex. Chase was called off and I returned home.

Update: Here is the video of the event in Sydney at least!