As Australia’s east coast continues to reel from days of wild weather, residents in Queensland are being warned to brace for yet another round of severe thunderstorms over the weekend. The Bureau of Meteorology has put Wide Bay and surrounding land areas on high alert, cautioning that the storms could bring damaging winds and large hail.
Storm Risk Persists Despite Easing Conditions
While the worst of the recent storm activity appears to have passed, senior meteorologist Angus Hines warns that the risk is not over yet. “The storm risk has cleared for the worst affected areas,” he noted. “But in regards to storm activity expected on Saturday, there is still a risk over some parts of eastern and interior Queensland.”
Hines explained that while the storms are not forecast to be as widespread or severe as those seen on Friday, they still pose a significant threat. “If severe storms do develop in these areas, the likely threats on Saturday are damaging wind gusts and large hail,” he cautioned.
East Coast Battered by Wild Weather
The severe storm warning for Queensland comes on the heels of several days of wild weather that has lashed Australia’s east coast. Western New South Wales, central Victoria, and South Australia have all been hit hard by damaging winds, heavy rain, and large hailstones.
The intense storms prompted severe weather warnings, knocked out power to thousands, and inundated state emergency services with calls for help. In Victoria, the Bureau of Meteorology even warned of the risk of tornadoes as the powerful thunderstorms rolled through.
“Thunderstorms did bring brief but heavy rainfall to many places on Friday,” Hines reported. “In Victoria, heavy rainfall affected Geelong, which saw 69 millimetres of rainfall through the day, but that included 50 millimetres in just 45 minutes as a severe thunderstorm moved directly overhead.”
Damage and Disruption from Severe Storms
The wild weather has left a trail of damage and disruption in its wake. In western New South Wales, extensive damage to transmission towers between Buronga and Broken Hill left over 1,600 properties without power. Some were temporarily connected via backup generators as crews worked to repair the damage.
Major events have also been impacted, with crowds heading to the MotoGP at Phillip Island in Victoria being advised to reconsider their travel plans due to the dangerous conditions. The severe weather has created treacherous driving conditions and the risk of flash flooding.
Staying Safe in Severe Thunderstorms
As Queensland residents prepare for the possibility of more severe storms, authorities are urging everyone to take precautions and stay safe. Some key tips include:
- Stay informed by monitoring weather alerts and warnings
- Move vehicles undercover and secure loose outdoor items
- Avoid floodwaters and storm drains
- Stay indoors and away from windows during severe storms
- Have an emergency plan and kit ready
While the storm risk is expected to gradually ease over the coming days, forecasters warn that showers and thunderstorms could linger along the east coast into early next week. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
“Calmer, sunny conditions are due to set in by Sunday afternoon,” senior meteorologist Sarah Scully reported. “But until then, communities in storm-prone areas need to stay alert and heed any warnings.”
As Queensland and other parts of Australia’s east coast face yet another bout of wild weather, the message is clear – stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe. While the powerful storms are a frightening and damaging force, taking the right precautions can help protect lives and property.
With the Bureau of Meteorology closely monitoring the situation and issuing regular updates, those in affected areas can stay one step ahead of the severe weather. By working together and looking out for each other, communities can weather this latest storm and look forward to brighter, calmer days ahead.
