A broad band of storms swept across south-east Queensland this afternoon cutting power to just over 30,000 Energex customers (as of 3pm) across the region. By 4.30pm approximately 5,000 of those customers had had power restored.
In a similar pattern to yesterday afternoon’s storms, destructive winds, lightning and heavy rain affected areas from Murgon and south to Toowoomba as the storms cells moved SE towards the coast. High winds and flying debris brought down 207 powerlines across the south-east. Powerlines were also brought down in the Bay Islands – of Russell, Lamb and Macleay islands. *Damage to the network has been so significant that some customers in Redland Bay, Mt Crosby, the Bay Islands and surrounding areas – may not have power restored until possibly into tomorrow (Monday). In excess of 80,000 lightning strikes were recorded across the region through the event commencing at midday – to 4pm. In preparation for the storms, extra resources and crews were put on standby in all Energex depots in SEQ – to respond promptly. The storms are expected to continue into the evening.