A powerful hailstorm brought about by unusual weather conditions created widespread flooding and caused significant damage to the city of Brisbane. A vast difference between the ground temperature and a below freezing stratosphere temperature, combined with damp air situated on the coast was the underlying reason for the extreme weather. Hail was reported as being 15cm deep in some areas. Significant damage was done to buildings and cars. Over 200 lightning strikes were recorded and as a result Brisbane Airport was required to close for an hour until the storm subsided. Approximately 6500 properties lost power and the SES responded to 160 calls, caused by flooding waters, fallen power lines and trees. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2005 damage at $17.6m, with the estimated repeated cost of $20m in 2007. Severe thunderstorms affected western and northern suburbs of Brisbane during the late afternoon and evening of the 19th, bringing an exceptional coverage of small hail. The combination of hail and heavy rain led to extensive flash flooding and inundation of some properties. Hail was reported as deep as 15cm across roads causing considerable traffic disruptions. Brisbane airport was closed for about an hour. Rainfall reports were of the order of 40mm along the storm path from the southwest of the city through to the coast to the north of Brisbane. One school in the northern suburbs was closed because of water damage.