Fresh Warnings as Queensland Braces for More Severe Storms
Residents of Queensland, still reeling from an 'insurance catastrophe' declared after Monday's devastating hailstorm, are now being warned to prepare for further bouts of severe weather. The Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed that more severe thunderstorms are likely for the remainder of the week, prolonging the threat to communities already dealing with significant damage.
Widespread Impact and Ongoing Power Cuts
On Tuesday night, a new wave of severe thunderstorms swept across parts of the state, bringing large hailstones, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall to Ipswich, Logan, Somerset, Southern Downs, Western Downs, South Burnett, and Toowoomba. The storm system moved through Laidley, Dalby, and Crows Nest by 9pm, reaching Boonah, Esk, and Gatton by 9:30pm.
The effects of these storms were set to last for several hours, causing widespread power outages. As of 10:45pm on Tuesday, a staggering 42,015 Energex customers were affected by ongoing power failures.
Recovery from Monday's 'Insurance Catastrophe'
The fresh warnings come as the scale of Monday's storm becomes clear. That single weather event has already resulted in more than 16,000 insurance claims being lodged across 140 postcodes, prompting the official 'insurance catastrophe' declaration. The massive storm cell originated from the NSW border and tracked towards Central Queensland, with wind gusts reaching up to 135km/h and hailstones a colossal 12cm in size.
Senior meteorologist Jonathan How from the Bureau of Meteorology stated on Tuesday, 'In Queensland, we are expecting thunderstorms across much of the state again today. The focus really is across the southeast of the state.' He added that severe thunderstorms could develop, producing heavy rainfall and large hail from the Gold Coast Scenic Rim up towards Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Wide Bay area.
Authorities have issued urgent advice for those in affected regions, recommending they park cars away from trees, secure their homes, keep essential medications close, ensure mobile phones are charged, and shelter in a strong building. With the ground already saturated, there is also a heightened risk of flash flooding as storms move east towards Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
