Brisbane Battles Power Outages After Fierce Thunderstorms Hit
Brisbane and much of south-east Queensland have been left reeling after a series of severe thunderstorms swept through the region on Sunday evening. Tens of thousands of homes were impacted, with almost 25,000 still without power as recovery efforts continue into Monday. The storms brought intense winds, hailstones the size of golf balls, and widespread damage, leaving residents and authorities scrambling to restore normalcy.
Wind gusts reaching up to 109 kilometres per hour were recorded in some areas, while hail measuring up to seven centimetres in diameter fell in suburbs like St Lucia. The State Emergency Service reported that over 950 requests for assistance had been received, with more than 700 jobs still outstanding. Homes, schools, and public facilities were severely affected, prompting closures for at least 11 Brisbane schools, including Stuartholme School near Toowong and Brigidine College at Indooroopilly.
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One particularly dramatic incident occurred at Highgate Hill, where a house under renovation was toppled from its stilts, highlighting the intensity of the storm. Many residents described terrifying experiences as trees were uprooted, roofs were torn off, and debris was scattered across streets and properties. In Graceville, families began cleaning up after their gardens and pools were filled with debris, while some reported damage to vehicles and structures.
Despite the storm damage, Brisbane is expected to face sweltering conditions, with temperatures climbing to 37 degrees Celsius. This heatwave, combined with the storm’s aftermath, has increased the risk of further severe weather. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that while a cool change is expected on Tuesday, it will only provide brief relief before temperatures rise again. The Capricornia and Wide Bay regions, in particular, remain on alert for potential storms with damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding.
Energy providers, including Energex, reported “significant damage” to power lines across Brisbane and surrounding suburbs. Restoration crews have been working around the clock, but thousands of households remain without electricity, particularly in western suburbs such as Kenmore, Indooroopilly, and Brookfield. Residents have been urged to avoid downed power lines and report hazards immediately.
Victoria was also affected by severe weather over the weekend, experiencing heavy rain and strong winds that left more than 1,300 homes without power. In Melbourne, a potential short-lived tornado may have caused localized wind damage in western suburbs, though authorities continue to investigate.
As Brisbane and Queensland recover from the twin challenges of storm damage and extreme heat, residents are advised to stay alert to weather warnings, exercise caution around damaged infrastructure, and prepare for continued hot and stormy conditions. The city’s energy networks, homes, and schools are slowly being restored, but the impact of Sunday’s wild weather will be felt for days to come.
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