LATEST @ 9.45 AM | The southern Gold Coast has been hit by a destructive thunderstorm.
More than 6700 homes and businesses in Coolangatta, Bilinga, Tallebudgera and Tugun were hit by a mass power outage around 9am after strong winds wreaked havoc on the suburb.
Emergency crews are currently responding to multiple reports of trees and powerlines down, including on the M1 at Tugun, between Exit 95 and the Border.
Crews were also called to a tree that had fallen on a vehicle in Coolangatta, but thankfully the driver managed to get themselves out.
There are some minor flight delays after the runway at Gold Coast airport had to be closed briefly where wind gusts of 93 km/h were recorded.
The Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed the wild storm has now moved offshore and a warning that was issued earlier has been cancelled.
“Severe thunderstorms are no longer affecting the Southeast Queensland area,” BOM said.
“The immediate threat of severe thunderstorms has passed, but the situation will continue to be monitored and further warnings will be issued if necessary”.
EARLIER @ 8.45 AM | A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim, with the southern part of the city in the firing line.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that a severe thunderstorm likely to produce damaging winds has been detected near Murwillumbah and the area south of the NSW border.
“This thunderstorm is moving towards the northeast and is forecast to affect Coolangatta and waters off Tweed Heads by 9:15 am,” BOM said.
A general severe thunderstorm warning also remains in place for the Southeast Coast district.
The weather bureau says an “upper trough is combining with a moist and unstable airmass to produce severe thunderstorms through parts of southeast Qld this morning”.
“Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours”.
Emergency services advise people to:
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.
