Close to 25,000 Lost Electricity in South-East Queensland and Victorian Regions Following Severe Storms
Approximately 25,000 homes in south-east Queensland were left without power on the start of the week after severe thunderstorms swept through the area, generating strong winds topping 109km/h.
Substantial Ice Stones and Widespread Damage
Locals observed giant hailstones measuring up to 7cm in certain regions. The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that multiple regions across the state had been affected by significant hail.
The recent thunderstorm has absolutely smashed our power system!
Utility workers were working to restore power throughout the damaged zones, with nearly 70 crews working to manage the widespread outages.
Victorian Storm Challenges
Meanwhile, around one thousand residents in Victoria also faced electricity disruptions after the capital city saw its heaviest rainfall in a year and a half.
Rescue organizations handled nearly 600 requests for assistance across the area, mostly for building damage but also for collapsed vegetation and inundation.
Most Impacted Areas
- Werribee region - recorded substantial storm damage
- Hoppers Crossing - various emergency calls
- Wyndham area - 179 help reports
During the peak on yesterday, in excess of 28,000 power users in the state were lacking electricity.
Meteorological Predictions
Moist weather were predicted to continue along much of eastern Queensland this week as a atmospheric system continued to draw in moisture against the coast.
Tuesday was forecast to be the heaviest precipitation period, with persistent storm activity predicted across multiple regions of both areas.
Safety Concern
Health officials warned that there was an greater possibility of epidemic thunderstorm asthma across the northern rural areas, particularly given the existing atmospheric conditions.
This alert comes after historical occurrences where similar conditions led to major medical consequences in the region.
