Key Takeaways
- Severe storms are expected to hit far north-east NSW and south-east Queensland, bringing heavy rainfall, large hail, and damaging winds.
- The storms are likely to be intense, but more isolated than those earlier in the week.
- A large rain band is forecast to approach the coast on Saturday, bringing more thunderstorms to the region.
- More than 13,000 homes in south-east Queensland remain without power after Wednesday night’s storm.
- Friday is expected to be a calmer and clearer day in south-east Queensland, providing a brief respite from the severe weather.
Introduction to the Storms
The storms that have been affecting far north-east NSW and south-east Queensland are expected to continue, with severe storms forecast for the region. According to Narramore, the storms are likely to be intense, with widespread severe storms further north. The storms may also be severe enough to bring down more powerlines and damage properties. However, they are expected to be more isolated than those earlier in the week. The storms are expected to dissipate quickly as they lose the heating of the day, but their impacts are likely to be significant.
Storm Systems and Rainfall
The storm systems further north in areas such as Wide Bay and Capricornia may become slow-moving, which could introduce a heavy rainfall threat. This could lead to flash and localized riverine flooding, according to Narramore. The slow-moving storm systems are a concern, as they can bring prolonged periods of heavy rainfall, leading to significant flooding. The region has already experienced significant rainfall, with more than 1.67 million lightning strikes reported on Wednesday night. The heavy rainfall and severe storms have caused significant disruptions, with more than 13,000 homes in south-east Queensland remaining without power.
Weather Forecast
Brisbane’s heatwave conditions persisted on Thursday, with temperatures peaking at 36 degrees and a "feels like" temperature of 39. However, Friday is expected to be a much calmer and clearer day in south-east Queensland, providing a brief respite from the severe weather. The respite is likely to be short-lived, as a large rain band is forecast to approach the coast on Saturday afternoon and evening. This will bring more thunderstorms to much of eastern and south-eastern Queensland and far north-eastern NSW. Some of these storms could be severe, with heavy rain, large hail, and damaging winds.
Impact of the Storms
The storms have already had a significant impact on the region, with more than 13,000 homes in south-east Queensland remaining without power. An additional 9500 homes lost power across the region on Wednesday night. The storms have also caused significant damage to properties, with golf-ball-size hail reported in some areas. The severe weather has disrupted daily life, with many people affected by the power outages and property damage. The region is likely to experience more disruptions, as the severe storms continue to affect the area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the severe storms that have been affecting far north-east NSW and south-east Queensland are expected to continue, with intense storms and heavy rainfall forecast for the region. The storms are likely to be more isolated than those earlier in the week, but their impacts are still expected to be significant. The region is likely to experience more disruptions, as the severe weather continues to affect the area. It is essential for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The brief respite on Friday will provide an opportunity for residents to clean up and recover, but the severe weather is likely to return on Saturday.