**Storms spark 114 bushfires, cut power to 45,000 homes**
An intense weather event in parts of Australia has unleashed significant destruction, with severe storms sparking 114 bushfires and disrupting power supply to approximately 45,000 homes. The incidents occurred across Queensland, Northern New South Wales, and Victoria, following thunderstorms characterised by strong winds, lightning, heavy rainfall, and large hailstones. Emergency services and energy providers are actively responding to the widespread impact, as recovery efforts are underway.
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) confirmed that lightning strikes associated with the storms were a key factor in igniting bushfires across the state. Of the 114 fires reported, many were situated in rural and remote regions, necessitating coordination between fire crews on the ground, aerial waterbombing teams, and local volunteers. While the majority of these blazes were contained by early response measures, the dry vegetation, combined with strong winds, posed a challenge to fire control operations.
In areas north of Brisbane, particularly the Gympie and Wide Bay regions, dozens of bushfires prompted alerts to nearby communities, with authorities urging vigilance. Residents in affected zones were advised to monitor updates and to prepare for potential evacuation, although no large-scale evacuations had been enacted as of the latest reports. Damage assessments were underway for properties located near fire zones, though no fatalities or significant injuries have been confirmed so far.
Simultaneously, the storms caused widespread power outages, affecting homes and businesses across Queensland and New South Wales. Energy providers including Energex and Essential Energy stated that fallen power lines, uprooted trees, and damaged infrastructure were the major causes of disruptions. In Queensland alone, Energex confirmed that around 45,000 properties temporarily lost electricity during the height of the storm activity on Sunday evening. Work crews have since been deployed to repair damaged circuits and restore service to affected areas, with many customers regaining power by Monday. However, some pockets in heavily impacted rural districts may face delays as teams prioritise safety while navigating hazardous conditions.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued warnings ahead of the storm system, forecasting hazardous weather conditions across large swathes of the eastern seaboard. Wind gusts exceeding 90km/h were recorded in several locations, while thunderstorms dumped significant rainfall—leading to flash flooding in low-lying areas. Parts of Brisbane experienced a deluge that momentarily inundated city streets and disrupted transportation. Elsewhere, hailstones the size of golf balls were reported in regions such as Toowoomba, inflicting damage to roofs, vehicles, and outdoor structures.
Emergency service personnel have appealed to the public for patience as recovery efforts continue. A spokesperson for the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) urged residents to stay indoors during storm events unless absolutely necessary and to report hazards such as downed power lines to authorities. SES volunteers have responded to hundreds of calls for assistance, with tasks ranging from tarping damaged roofs to clearing debris from blocked roads.
In Victoria, where the same weather system extended its reach, emergency warnings were also issued in high-risk fire zones. Lightning strikes were attributed to multiple small grassfires in rural settings, though these were largely contained by the swift intervention of local brigades. Despite the disruption, no injuries were reported related to the Victorian events. Residents are being reminded to keep their disaster readiness plans up to date, particularly as Australia moves further into its warmer months and the associated fire season.
Climate experts have noted that storms of this intensity, while not unprecedented, stand as a reminder of the increasing volatility of weather patterns across the country. Although it remains too early to formally attribute this particular event to climate change, the Australian Climate Council has previously warned that rising global temperatures are likely to exacerbate severe weather occurrences, including bushfires and thunderstorms.
Authorities have meanwhile highlighted the importance of community preparedness and resilience in mitigating the risks linked to such events. Homeowners are encouraged to secure loose items, maintain clear gutters to prevent water blockages, and ensure access to emergency kits containing essentials like torches, batteries, and non-perishable food. For rural property owners, the emphasis remains on creating firebreaks, storing water supplies, and familiarising themselves with evacuation routes.
Disaster relief funding has not yet been announced, and it is unclear whether the storm event will meet the threshold for formal financial assistance under state or federal schemes. However, local charities and community organisations have stepped in to offer temporary support to affected families. Food banks and volunteer groups in towns such as Gympie and Lismore have already begun distributing emergency supplies to those impacted by the dual threat of fires and power loss.
Recovery efforts, while progressing steadily, highlight the challenges posed by Australia’s natural environment during the summer months. As more Australians turn their attention to the festive period, authorities are urging the public to remain alert to further weather updates and to heed all warnings issued by emergency services.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available. At the time of publication, it remains unclear how long complete recovery and restoration operations may take, particularly in regional areas.
**References**
North West Star, published 5 November 2023: “Storms spark 114 bushfires, cut power to 45,000 homes”
The Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
Queensland State Emergency Service
Energex
Essential Energy
Australian Climate Council