A sudden storm swept through Burren Junction on Friday afternoon, around 7.30 pm, 7 November, leaving several homes damaged and prompting a quick response from local SES and Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) crews.

Residents reported strong winds and hailstones pelting the town during the brief but intense event. Several roofs were lifted or partially torn away, and fallen trees blocked parts of Inkerman and Hastings Streets, as well as nearby roads.

Walgett Shire Council confirmed its staff were back in Burren Junction over the weekend, assessing the damage and assisting in clean-up operations.

“It came through really fast — the hail was the size of golf balls,” one resident said. “You could hear it hammering on the roof, and then part of it just lifted.”

The Burren Junction VRA was called in to help secure homes, placing tarpaulins over damaged roofs and clearing debris on Saturday afternoon and Sunday. Volunteers worked alongside council crews to make properties safe and prevent further water damage.

An emergency alert listed on the ABC Emergency and NSW Rural Fire Service database recorded a “Flood/Storm/Tree Down” incident at 12–14 Inkerman Street, logged at 7 November and later marked as “under control.”

While the Bureau of Meteorology registered minimal rainfall for the day, the storm appears to have been a highly localised event, with reports of hail and strong wind bursts focused around Burren Junction.

Council staff will continue to assess structural damage in the coming days. Residents affected by the storm are urged to contact Walgett Shire Council or the VRA if they need assistance with emergency repairs.

Community rallies together

Despite the damage, locals say the community spirit was on full display.

“Everyone pitched in,” another resident said. “Neighbours helped each other cover roofs and clear branches. That’s just what Burren does.”

Photos taken after the storm show VRA volunteers working, securing tarps across rooftops and removing fallen trees from yards.

Background

• Location: Burren Junction, Walgett Shire, NSW
• Date: Friday 7 November 2025
• Event: Localised hailstorm and wind event
• Response: VRA crews and council teams
• Damage: Roofs lifted, trees down, property damage