300,000 without power across SEQ amid flash flooding risk

Widespread Power Outages and Urgent Repairs at Water Treatment Plants

The severe weather system impacting south-east Queensland has left the Mount Cotton and Alexandra Hills water treatment plants without power, raising urgent concerns about the region’s water supply. Emergency generators are on site, and crews are racing against time to restore power before the reservoirs run dry. This critical situation underscores the challenges posed by the extreme weather, which has already caused significant disruption across the region. With hundreds of thousands of homes left without electricity, the situation remains dire, and authorities are working tirelessly to address the crisis.

Storm Damage and Power Outages: The Most Severe in a Decade

The storm’s impact has been devastating, with dozens of people requiring assistance overnight, particularly on the Gold Coast. In Labrador, the roof of an apartment block was torn off by powerful winds, while trees have fallen on homes, cars, and powerlines, exacerbating the damage. According to officials, the power outages across south-east Queensland are the most significant in 10 years, with nearly 250,000 homes in Queensland alone affected. This number has since risen to 274,000, making it the largest outage since Tropical Cyclone Oswald in 2013. The situation is further complicated by the fact that nearly 300,000 homes across Queensland and New South Wales are without power, highlighting the widespread nature of the disaster.

Strong Winds and Coastal Erosion: The Gold Coast Bears the Brunt

The Gold Coast has been particularly hard hit, with winds reaching 107km/h at the Seaway and significant coastal erosion reported. The loss of a roof from an apartment building in Labrador is just one example of the destruction caused by the storm. Trees have also caused extensive damage, falling on homes, vehicles, and powerlines. The severity of the situation has prompted authorities to mobilize crews for damage assessments and repairs, with the restoration of power expected to be a significant undertaking. Residents are being urged to remain vigilant as the situation continues to unfold.

Heavy Rainfall and Flooding: A Ongoing Threat

As the weather system moves inland, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned of widespread heavy rainfall, with totals expected to reach 300 to 500 millimetres in many areas. Some regions could see as much as 800 millimetres of rain, particularly in the southern areas affected by the storm’s trajectory. This has raised concerns about potential flooding in the coming days. While the system has been downgraded from a tropical cyclone, its impacts remain significant, with authorities cautioning against complacency. The focus is now on preparing for the expected rainfall and flooding, which could pose a further threat to already vulnerable communities.

Authorities Urge Preparedness and Caution

Despite initial fears of a direct cyclonic impact, Brisbane appears to have dodged the worst of the storm. However, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has warned residents to prepare for heavy rainfall over the weekend. The city’s south-eastern suburbs have already experienced strong winds and heavy rain, with areas like Burbank and Rochedale particularly affected. The Redlands have also been hit hard, with the storm’s impact felt across the region. As the situation continues to evolve, authorities are urging residents to remain informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

Ongoing Response and Recovery Efforts

The response to the crisis is well underway, with damage assessments being conducted and repair crews mobilized to restore power and address the impacts of the storm. Residents are being kept updated through official channels, with a focus on the ongoing risks posed by the weather. While the immediate threat of the storm has passed, the consequences of the heavy rainfall and flooding will likely be felt for days to come. As Queenslanders navigate this challenging situation, the resilience of the community and the efforts of emergency services will be crucial in overcoming the aftermath of this severe weather event.