World · East Asia & Pacific · 4 hrs ago
Storm damages Alice Springs and cuts power to about 9,000 properties
A severe storm swept through Alice Springs in Central Australia on Monday afternoon, bringing heavy rain, hail and wind gusts of up to 96km/h.
The storm brought down trees, damaged buildings and caused a blackout.
About 9,000 properties lost power, including in nearby communities.
The Alice Springs Hilton DoubleTree was among the damaged buildings, with part of its roof collapsing.
It was the second storm to hit Alice Springs in less than a week.
Emergency services received 47 calls for help and urged residents to stay away from fallen trees and powerlines.
More severe storms were possible on Tuesday, with the weather bureau warning of damaging winds, large hail and heavy rain.
A severe storm brought heavy rain, hail and wind gusts of up to 96km/h to Alice Springs on Monday afternoon.
About 9,000 properties lost power after the storm damaged powerlines and other infrastructure.
Trees fell onto roads, powerlines and roofs, and the Alice Springs Hilton DoubleTree was among the properties damaged.
Northern Territory Emergency Services received 47 calls for assistance after the storm.
The Bureau of Meteorology warned that more severe thunderstorms were possible on Tuesday afternoon and evening.
- Who
- Residents and properties in Alice Springs and nearby communities were affected.
- What
- A storm caused property damage, brought down trees and cut power to about 9,000 properties.
- When
- Monday, October 12, 2026; heavy rain and hail were recorded at 3:30pm, and a 96km/h wind gust was recorded at 3:44pm.
- Where
- Alice Springs and nearby Central Australian communities, including Arumbera, Burt Plain, Ilparpa, Simpson, Hermannsburg, Hugh, Namatjira and Wallace Rockhole.
- Why
- The Bureau of Meteorology said a surface trough coincided with a warm, unstable air mass, producing severe thunderstorms.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
approximately 9,000 properties
not out of the woods yet
I've got some reports of multiple trees down, some damage from the hail and the winds
Heavy rain and hail fell on Alice Springs.
A local wind gust of 96km/h was recorded.
Power and Water Corporation said about 9,000 properties had lost power because of storm damage.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecast another chance of severe thunderstorms.
- Peak recorded wind gust
- 96km/h
- Properties without power
- Approximately 9,000
- Emergency calls
- 47 calls for assistance
- Damaged hotel
- Alice Springs Hilton DoubleTree
- Rain and hail recorded
- 3:30pm, Monday, October 12, 2026
Sources
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