Red Centre turns white as hailstorm grips Alice Springs in wettest June day in 13 years
An intense, wild hail storm has overcome parts of Alice Springs, turning the notoriously hot Red Centre white.
Parts of the outback town have been flooded, causing some roads to be closed after hail began falling about 4pm on Friday.
Thunderstorms formed and hail began falling, blanketing the typically hot town in pseudo-snow.
People throughout Alice were quick to share some incredible pictures of the hail on social media.
Rain pelted down with 62 millimetres recorded at Alice Springs Plaza, 52mm at Charles River, 51mm at Mount Lloyd, and 17mm landed at Alice Springs airport, according to Weatherzone, making it the wettest June day in 13 years.
A severe weather warning has been issued for northeastern areas of the Simpson and southern parts of Barkley districts, with heavy rain which could lead to flash flooding, and damaging wind gusts, the Bureau of Meteorology warned for Saturday.
It should be cleared by Sunday, the BOM forecasts.
Extensive water damage to buildings was reported, including at the Alice Springs Hospital, and tree branches bringing down power lines, according to the ABC.
NT Emergency Services’ Clare Barker told the broadcaster the hail storm was more intense than expected, and advised residents to be prepared.
"Make sure that if you've got power that you've got some way of having some food tonight, make sure that you're taking cover, that your children, your family and your pets are safe."
For emergency help in floods, storms and cyclones, contact the NTES on 132 500. For more safety tips visit www.securent.nt.gov.au.
News break – June 18
