UPDATE: Severe thunderstorms have just hit Queensland, leaving over 67,000 homes without power as wind gusts soared to 96 km/h. The storms struck Southeast Queensland on Sunday evening, causing significant disruption and damage across the region.
Residents reported intense hail and dramatic lightning strikes in cities like Brisbane, Toowoomba, and Ipswich. The power outages have affected tens of thousands, with utility provider Energex reporting the devastating impact. In a dramatic scene, lightning disrupted a rugby league match between Samoa and Tonga in Brisbane, forcing spectators to seek shelter.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the cold front causing these storms is a deep low-pressure system moving across the southeast. Senior forecaster Miriam Bradbury warned that the storms could lead to flash flooding, large hail, and hazardous driving conditions. “A severe storm potential is expected through Sunday afternoon and evening across central Victoria, including the greater Melbourne area,” Bradbury stated.
Moreover, the Victorian chief health officer has raised alarms about a heightened risk of epidemic thunderstorm asthma, particularly in northern regions. This phenomenon can trigger sudden asthma attacks in individuals with allergies, especially during thunderstorms with high pollen levels. The last major event in November 2016 in Melbourne resulted in 10 deaths and overwhelmed emergency services.
Residents are urged to stay vigilant and keep their reliever puffers handy as the storms continue. In Queensland, the severe weather has been felt across the southeast, including the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. Authorities emphasize the importance of monitoring weather alerts as additional storms are forecast.
Looking ahead, a low-pressure trough is expected to persist, leading to damp conditions across much of eastern Queensland next week. Tuesday is projected to be the wettest day, further complicating the situation for residents already grappling with the fallout from the storms.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation continues to develop.
