Severe thunderstorms and protests characterized the Australian news landscape this weekend, with significant weather events impacting Queensland and New South Wales, while Sydney saw large gatherings against a defense expo. The Bureau of Meteorology issued warnings for severe thunderstorms across northern and eastern Australia, affecting millions, while a remarkable supermoon captured the attention of residents in Sydney.

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasted severe thunderstorms for Saturday afternoon and evening, particularly in northern and eastern regions, including Sydney, Brisbane, and Canberra. Angus Hines, a senior meteorologist, described the situation as potentially active, with risks of strong winds and heavy rainfall. The storms are expected to bring flash flooding and dangerous conditions, prompting authorities to prepare for emergency responses.

Impact of Hailstorms in Queensland
In Queensland, severe storms resulted in massive hail impacting areas such as Esk, with hailstones reported to reach up to 8 cm in diameter. The storms have led to warnings of flash floods and destructive winds, affecting thousands of residents. Power outages were reported across the state as emergency services braced for further adverse weather conditions.

Pro-Palestine Protests in Sydney
In Sydney, twelve individuals were charged following a large pro-Palestine demonstration outside the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition. Protesters gathered to voice their opposition to the participation of Israeli defense companies at the event, chanting slogans such as "hands off the West Bank" and "hands off Gaza." Police deployed uniformed and mounted officers to maintain order and prevent disruptions, leading to several arrests.

Wildlife Insights from Humpback Whales
In a lighter news segment, scientists released rare footage of remora fish interacting with humpback whales. The footage, captured via camera tags, showcased the unique relationship between the species, as the remora fish were seen attaching to the whales and feeding on their shed skin. This observation provides valuable insights into marine life interactions, highlighting the complexities of ocean ecosystems.

Supermoon Over Bondi Beach
Lastly, Sydney residents were treated to a stunning display of the 'beaver' supermoon, which illuminated the sky over Bondi Beach. This supermoon, the largest of 2025, appeared especially bright as it rose above the horizon, captivating onlookers and sparking interest in astronomical events.

Wrap-up
This weekend's events in Australia highlighted the intersection of severe weather challenges and social activism. With ongoing weather threats in Queensland and New South Wales, and significant public demonstrations in Sydney, the nation remains engaged in both environmental and social issues.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team