Clean-up begins after storms – but thousands still without power
Thousands of homes and businesses still remain without power after severe thunderstorms battered parts of the state – and more wild weather is on the horizon.
At least 15,000 homes and businesses remain without power in Queensland after two consecutive days of superstorms, which have been declared a catastrophic event.
Most power outages are expected to be reconnected in the coming hours, but areas around Bribie Island and the Sunshine Coast are likely to remain in the dark into Friday.
Winds of 170 km/h were recorded on Bribie Island when the storm hit on Monday night, the equivalent of a category three cyclone.
“Field crews will again work throughout the night, but will have to stop work during any new storm activity,” an Energex spokesperson said on Thursday.
“Energex asks for residents to take extreme care when cleaning up storm debris, particularly fallen trees and vegetation, as fallen powerlines may be hidden underneath debris and could well be live.”
Brisbane bore the brunt of Tuesday night’s second wave of damage from a storm system dumping up to 110mm of rain on some areas.
Senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury warned storms would continue across much of the state on Thursday, including the northern, inland and eastern regions.
The severe weather is expected to bring heavy rainfall, raising the risk of flash flooding.
Meanwhile, a 76-year-old man died on Wednesday after being struck by the tree at Glenworth Valley on the NSW Central Coast.
Stay informed, daily
NSW State Emergency Service crews received more than 2200 calls for help after an intense weather system felled trees and tore down roofs.
The clean-up is expected to take several days.
-with AAP
