Perth suffered devastation after the worst storm hit the region in 50 years. Hailstones up to about 6cm in diameter driven by powerful winds to over 100km/h smashed car windscreens as well as solar panels and windows of homes across the northern suburbs of Perth. Although the rain was welcome breaking a 104 day dry spell, flash flooding caused chaos to traffic and added to the damage of some homes. The Insurance Council of Australia says claims have already exceeded $200 million mark.