A severe thunderstorm brought about a dangerous hailstorm to both the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. In some regions of Queensland, hailstones were reported up to 7cm in diameter, which approximately equates to the size of a cricket ball. The major suburbs and towns affected include Helensvale, Oxenford, Coomera, Mt Nathan, Gaven, Pacific Pines, Arundel, Coombabah, Toowoomba, Gatton, Laidley and Esk. State Emergency Service crews responded to more than 724 calls for help as the widespread hailstorm damage spread to houses, buildings and cars. Approximately 2000 motor vehicles were damaged along with 500 homes. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2005 damage at $61m, with the 2007 estimated repeated cost of $70m. The main severe cell developed near Rathdowney early in the afternoon and moved northeast to impact the Gold Coast suburbs of Pacific Pines, Oxenford and Helensvale. Hail ranging uo to 7cm in diameter (cricket ball size) was reported from all the above localities. Traffic on the Gold Coast motorway came to a standstill after numerous accidents. Hail also damaged house roofs. Other storms brought rain, wind and hail to other parts from the border to north of the Sunshine coast. Double Island Point recorded a wind gust to 109 km/h from the south