**Storms spark 114 bushfires, cut power to 45,000 homes**
Severe thunderstorms sweeping across parts of Australia have triggered the ignition of 114 bushfires and resulted in widespread power outages impacting an estimated 45,000 households. The fast-moving weather system brought intense lightning activity, strong winds, and heavy rain, leaving a trail of damage and heightened concerns for emergency services.
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) reported that the 114 bushfires spread across the state were ignited primarily by lightning strikes associated with storm cells. Firefighters and emergency services scrambled to contain the outbreaks as high temperatures, dry conditions, and gusty winds exacerbated the fire risk. Although some fires were brought quickly under control, others continued burning in difficult-to-access areas, complicating containment efforts.
Energy providers confirmed that approximately 45,000 homes across parts of New South Wales and southern Queensland lost power during the storms. The outages occurred as strong winds and falling tree branches reportedly damaged power lines and infrastructure in affected regions. Crews have been working around the clock to restore electricity to those impacted, though authorities have cautioned that isolated communities may face delays in recovering full power supply due to the scale of the damage.
Among the worst-hit areas were parts of the Central West and Northern Rivers regions of New South Wales, where emergency services reported significant localised damage. Rural and remote properties appeared to be especially vulnerable, with high winds causing structural damage to homes, sheds, and other buildings in some areas. Fallen trees blocked roads in multiple locations, further hampering recovery efforts.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), the thunderstorms—which began late in the week—formed as a result of atmospheric instability caused by a low-pressure trough moving through eastern Australia. The BOM issued a series of severe weather warnings in advance of the storms, advising residents to secure loose outdoor items and exercise caution when traveling. Despite the early warnings, the intensity of the storm activity appears to have caught some residents off guard.
In addition to starting fires and causing power disruptions, the volatile weather resulted in dozens of emergency calls to the State Emergency Service (SES) for assistance, ranging from flood rescues to reports of storm damage. SES volunteers worked alongside firefighters and police to respond to incidents as quickly as logistics allowed. So far, no fatalities or life-threatening injuries connected to the storms have been reported, though several residents have been treated for minor injuries caused by falling debris and other hazards.
A feature of the storms was the abundance of lightning strikes, which meteorologists have described as widespread and frequent over a concentrated area. Lightning activity of such intensity over land significantly increases the risk of fire ignition, particularly in the dry conditions experienced in much of eastern Australia in recent weeks. Parts of the region have not received substantial rainfall for months, leaving grass, scrub, and bushland susceptible to combustion even after relatively low-energy lightning strikes.
Authorities have emphasised the importance of community preparedness during extreme weather events like these storms. Fire officials urged residents to review their bushfire survival plans and ensure that homes were equipped with emergency kits, water supplies, and communication devices. For properties directly threatened by bushfires, evacuation orders and advice have been issued in some cases, with residents asked to heed local emergency announcements.
The combination of severe storms, fire activity, and damage to infrastructure underscores the breadth of challenges posed by extreme weather patterns, which scientists say are becoming more frequent and unpredictable. Emergency management teams are operating at heightened readiness in both New South Wales and neighbouring Queensland to manage the ongoing fire response and maintain support for affected communities.
The extent of property damage caused by the storms and associated fires is still being assessed by authorities. Early reports indicate widespread but localised damage, particularly in areas already under strain from prolonged drought conditions in the months leading to the events. Insurance companies are anticipating a rise in claims for weather-related damage, though no definitive figures have yet been provided regarding the total economic impact of the storms and resulting outages.
The storms come during a peak period of bushfire risk across eastern Australia, traditionally associated with late summer and early autumn. While firefighting resources remain stretched thin, the NSW RFS has assured the public that it is committed to maintaining a robust response capability as conditions evolve. However, it has also called for individuals and communities to play their part by reducing unnecessary risks, following safety advice, and reporting any new fire outbreaks promptly.
Australian energy and emergency services officials are continuing their investigation into why some areas appeared to experience prolonged outages compared to others. Variability in outages is often linked to differences in grid infrastructure and the resources available for repairs, though further clarity on this issue will likely emerge as teams finalise their assessments.
More wet weather is forecast for parts of the country in the coming days, which could help ease the fire threat but may also complicate recovery efforts in storm-hit areas. Authorities have warned that unpredictable weather patterns pose a risk of further developments and have urged residents to remain alert to updates and warnings through official channels.
As of now, the full extent of the situation is still being evaluated, particularly in regional and rural areas where communications may be slower. Emergency responders are expected to remain engaged for at least several more days as clean-up operations continue and damaged infrastructure is repaired.
References:
1. Original article: https://www.examiner.com.au/story/8882534/storms-spark-114-bushfires-cut-power-to-45000-homes/
2. New South Wales Rural Fire Service website (www.rfs.nsw.gov.au)
3. Bureau of Meteorology (www.bom.gov.au)
4. State Emergency Service official updates (www.ses.nsw.gov.au)
5. Statements from local energy providers published in public advisories