The Australian summer running from December to February is a great time to enjoy Sydney's beaches, according to the country's official tourism website. The pleasant summer days and balmy nights means that light clothing is ample, it says. Well, that certainly hasn't been the case in recent days as hailstones the size of tennis balls battered the city, creating remarkable scenes. Residents took to social media to share videos and images of what was regarded as the worst hailstorm to hit Sydney in 20 years. One video showed hailstones landing on a trampoline and bouncing back up in the air like a human having fun. Insurers have been left counting the cost as hailstones smashed through car windscreens. "As of 6:30 am we are at 15,000 claims and AUS$80 million (US$57 million) in damages," the Insurance Council of Australia told AFP. In Sydney harbour, the sound of the hail smashing onto boats could be heard as people filmed the rare occurence. Surfers meanwhile were forced to seek shelter under their boards on Bondi Beach as they came under attack from above. The New South Wales Bureau of Meteorology had warned of the "potential for destructive winds and giant hail" and then confirmed instances of hail measuring 5cm in diameter. A severe thunderstorm warning was again issued for parts of New South Wales on Friday. ______________ <strong>Read more:</strong> <strong><a href="https://www.thenational.ae/uae/uae-hit-by-rain-sandstorms-and-lightning-as-extreme-weather-returns-1.795837">UAE hit by rain, sandstorms and lightning as extreme weather returns</a></strong> <strong><a href="https://www.thenational.ae/uae/environment/extreme-weather-in-the-uae-tales-of-sun-sand-and-even-snow-1.621527">Extreme weather in the UAE: Tales of sun, sand and even snow</a></strong>
