Power outages hit tens of thousands as Brisbane swelters

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Tens of thousands of Brisbane residents are still without power after severe storms tore through south-east Queensland overnight, toppling trees, damaging homes, and cutting electricity to large parts of the city.

By 9.30am (AEST), more than 28,000 homes and businesses were still in the dark, with Energex crews working through scorching conditions to restore service. Power has already been returned to around 50,000 customers.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said Brisbane hit 32°C before 9.30am, on its way to a sweltering top of 37°C. Residents are being urged to stay cool in air-conditioned public spaces like shopping centres, libraries, and pools.

The storms brought winds up to 100km/h and hailstones up to 4cm wide, leaving widespread damage. A home collapsed in West End, while a family in Toowong narrowly escaped injury after a massive tree crashed into their house.

Police also closed streets in Woolloongabba after the road surface lifted, and viral videos showed a tree on fire in Moorooka and a barbecue flying off a verandah. The Pacific Championships at Suncorp Stadium were delayed due to lightning — marking the longest suspension in rugby league history.

Adding to the chaos, a total fire ban is in place across much of south-east Queensland — from Noosa to the Gold Coast, including the Scenic Rim and Somerset — due to dangerous heat and fire weather.

Authorities warn temperatures could reach the mid-40s in parts of central and north Queensland, with hot, dry, and gusty winds creating extreme fire danger.

“Any fires that start today could become dangerous very quickly,” the Queensland Fire Department cautioned, urging people to avoid activities that could spark flames.

Cooler weather is expected from Monday, but for now, Queenslanders are being told to stay hydrated, stay indoors, and follow emergency updates as crews continue to restore power and manage fire risks.

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