Thousands without power as severe storms lash SEQ

The Bureau of Meteorology says severe storms across South East Queensland on Monday, which cut power to 5000 properties, and dumped up to 50mm of rain, were unexpected. But the forecast is for more later in the week.

Severe storms are lashing SEQ on Monday night.

Severe storms have lashed South East Queensland on Easter Monday leaving more than 5000 without power into the night.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Steve Hadley said the storms were somewhat expected.

“Last night there was a lot of instability there and there was a very isolated thunderstorm around Wide Bay and Burnett.”

“We had originally been thinking less than a 10 per cent chance, with more risk further south, but it looks as though a couple of sneaky thunderstorms did go through Brisbane,” he said.

He said some areas to the north of Brisbane received up to 49mm in the past 24 hours.

“The highest (rainfall totals) I’ve seen is near Brisbane Airport with 49mm. Brisbane Airport itself received 38mm, and Redcliffe received 36mm,” he said.

“Some places got a couple of thunderstorms in a row, but it was mainly isolated showers. It ranged quite widely. Some places got 25mm. There are a few places in Brisbane that got 30mm to 50mm.”

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued just before 9pm, with residents in the Redlands, Moreton Bay, and Brisbane City regions urged to stay alert for damaging winds and large hail.

The Bureau released a weather warning just before 9pm.

At 9pm more than 5000 residents and businesses were without power, with Energex reporting 3606 out in Brisbane, 1699 in Logan, 15 in Moreton Bay region and 2 in Somerset.

Between 8pm and 9pm Toowong was smashed with 28mm of rainfall, Brisbane City copped 25mm, and Kenmore Hills saw 27mm of rain. Brisbane Airport also copped 24mm of rainfall, while Alexandra Hills saw 16mm.

Mr Hadley said there could be more storm activity from Thursday.

“That presents our next opportunity for thunderstorms. A bit of shower activity along with thunderstorms. This time of year (thunderstorms) gets less frequent. Mostly just showers. There could be the odd thunderstorm.”