Residents in south-east Queensland are bracing for severe weather as an east coast low moves across the region. Heavy winds have already affected many areas, resulting in fallen trees and powerlines, leaving thousands without electricity.
In Moreton Bay, a woman and her baby narrowly escaped injury when a gum tree crashed onto their vehicle. The storm’s intensity was evident, with a trampoline reportedly being tossed into a backyard and around 41,000 homes and businesses losing power throughout the day. Additionally, more than a dozen flights at Brisbane Airport were cancelled, and as night fell, over 13,000 households remained without power.
Wind gusts have been particularly strong, with measurements showing speeds up to 61 km/h in Cape Moreton and Redland. The Bureau of Meteorology also recorded gusts reaching 75 km/h at Brisbane Airport. As the low-pressure system approached, the traditionally warm climate of Queensland turned unseasonably cold, plummeting temperatures across the region.
Toowoomba was recorded at a chilly 0.7 degrees Celsius, with wind chill making it feel even colder at -5.5 degrees. Oakey was similarly frigid, with temperatures dropping to 2.8 degrees and a wind chill of -3.6 degrees.
As south-east Queensland prepares for the continuation of this storm, locals are reminded to take precautions as the weather event unfolds.