Hail and strong winds damage properties on NSW north coast
SES crews from Newcastle are heading to Wauchope to help finish storm clean-up work after local teams worked into the evening.
Storms damaged roofs, brought down trees and left deep accumulations of hail across parts of the NSW north coast on 11 November 2026. The State Emergency Service responded to 125 call-outs across the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers, including more than 70 around Wauchope.
Mid North Coast SES deputy zone commander Tony Day said nine jobs remained after crews worked into the evening. Teams from Newcastle were due to assist on 12 November, helping relieve fatigued local crews.
Mr Day said hail blocked gutters, allowing water into properties, while a property at Beechwood lost its roof. Fallen trees and powerlines also required attention. Wauchope Rural Centre's Sandra Hanson said water entered the shop when its guttering could not cope with the hail, damaging the premises and stock.
In the Lower Clarence, SES zone commander Ian Leckie said crews assisted 33 home owners. He reported two roofs blown off and three walls collapsing at one building, along with damaged pool fences, garage doors and water entering houses.
Strong winds damaged a motel being built at Iluka Bowls Club. Trees fell across sections of the Pacific Motorway at New Italy, slowing traffic.
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said cold conditions high in the atmosphere produced prolonged hail around Wauchope. Most hail measured 1-2cm, with some reports of stones reaching 3cm. He said the storm produced substantial accumulations of smaller hail rather than fewer, larger stones.
