BREAKING: A powerful storm system has left thousands of homes without power in New South Wales and Queensland following a devastating supercell that struck on Saturday afternoon. The storm unleashed severe conditions, including hailstones the size of golf balls, particularly affecting areas like Ipswich, Caboolture, and Samford, just north of Brisbane.
Residents reported intense weather as the supercell moved north from the NSW border, resulting in widespread damage. At its peak around 9:45 PM on Saturday, 4,800 homes were left in the dark. As of 8:30 AM on Sunday, 73 homes remain without power, according to local utility officials.
Sky News meteorologist Rob Sharpe highlighted the severity of the storm, stating, “The hail was unprecedented for this time of year.” Many residents are still reeling from the aftermath, with some reporting damage to their roofs and vehicles.
But the turmoil doesn’t end there. Authorities warn that New South Wales is set to experience a dangerous heatwave early this week, with temperatures soaring beyond 40°C. Sharpe cautions that some records could be broken in the northwest and central west regions. “Tuesday could see temperatures pushing up to 40°C, which is quite rare for this time of year,” he said.
As the sweltering heat spreads, residents of South Australia are bracing for even hotter conditions, with forecasts predicting highs of 45°C in the coming days. “The heat has transferred out into the western inland parts of the country, leading to widespread temperatures above 40°C,” Sharpe added.
Residents across the affected regions are urged to stay vigilant and prepare for further extreme weather. Emergency services are on standby as cleanup efforts begin and power restoration continues.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops. The combination of severe storms and an impending heatwave poses significant risks to public safety, making this an urgent situation to monitor closely.
