Queensland

Queensland weather: Severe storm lashes Brisbane with more rain possible

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Rescue crews have responded to almost 200 calls for help as trees and powerlines came crashing down, roofs were blown off and thousands of homes were without power after a wild storm swept across Brisbane and neighbouring Ipswich.

The storm, described by authorities as very dangerous, twice forced play in the first Test between Australia and Pakistan at the Gabba to be stopped.

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Hailstorms and high winds batter Queensland

Vision courtesy ABC News 24. Wild storm swept across Brisbane and neighbouring Ipswich last night, brining fierce winds and hailstones as rescue crews have responded to almost 200 calls for help.

Some flights at Brisbane Airport were also delayed until the storm passed.

There were 36,000 lightning strikes and 10,000 southeast Queensland homes and businesses were left without power, according to energy company Energex.

The State Emergency Service has received 144 calls for help in Ipswich, with reported damage in several suburbs.

Another 41 jobs were logged in Brisbane, Logan and Scenic Rim.

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The wild weather arrived over the south-east about 3pm bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, large hailstones and plenty of lightning.

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Michelle Berry said the western and northern suburbs of Brisbane received large hail while the CBD saw "good bolts of lightning".

Ipswich received the heaviest rainfall, 55 millimetres in 30 mins, while winds in excess of 100 kilometres per hour were recorded at Amberley Airport.

Geebung saw 31 millimetres fall, while Amberley got 33 and Brisbane City received 12.

After just 30 minutes the storms had moved north to Boondall and Brisbane Airport leaving a trail of destruction.

A supermarket in Bellowrie, south-west of Brisbane, was closed due to a partially collapsed roof, while Wynnum Esplanade was also shut after a damaged shop front fell onto an unoccupied car.

Trees were also been reported on many roads, including Gympie Rd at Chermside and Wardell Street at Ashgrove, while powerlines were also down in Bardon.

Some flights at Brisbane Airport were also delayed until the passing of the storm.

Ms Berry said there were more storms sitting south-west of Amberley about 3.30pm which had the potential to track east and hit the Brisbane area.

However, she said residents should get a couple of hour reprieve before the second wave hits.

- with AAP

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