Storms not over, thousands without power as extreme conditions hit state

Queensland has sweltered through extreme heatwave conditions as storms lash parts of the state’s southeast, leaving more than 25,000 properties without power.

Heatwave conditions currently affecting large parts of the state’s east coast and interior are not expected to ease until the weekend, with the north of the state left to wait until early next week to find relief, according to the weather bureau.

Maximum temperatures were expected to reach mid to high 30C along the east coast, ranges and inland areas, with overnight minimum temperatures in low to mid 20C.

Brisbane reached a high of 38.1C, recorded at Brisbane Airport about 2.21pm on Thursday, while state highs were recorded at Roma at a scorching 41.1C at 3.09pm.

“We’re expected to experience a heatwave over the next three days, particularly on the east coast and parts of the interior of Queensland,” Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson Kent Jackson said on Thursday afternoon.

“We’re advising Queenslanders to try to stay safe in this heat.”

Jackson warned people to watch for signs of more serious heat-related illness, such as nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and dizziness.

“To avoid this, we advise people to take it easy, not engage in strenuous exercise, stay hydrated, wear a hat and seek shade or airconditioning, whatever you can access that’s available to you,” he said.

“It can creep up on anyone, not just the vulnerable groups.

“Anyone with these symptoms is advised to contact emergency services.”

Storms have also lashed parts of Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Scenic Rim, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing warnings for damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall.

Most storms predicted for today have since moved offshore, leaving a trail of damage in their wake.

Strong winds took down dozens of power lines and trees, with 23,940 customers left without power in the state’s southeast, Energex said, while large hailstones were reported at Springbrook and Tallebudgera.

“A warm and very unstable airmass is in place over southeast Queensland. A trough moving north through the southeast will combine with very strong winds aloft ahead of a potent upper trough system, providing an environment supportive of scattered severe thunderstorms today,” BOM said.

“Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Rainbow Beach, Maryborough and Tiaro.”