23 Dec 2009

Storms in south-east Queensland

8:01 am on 23 December 2009

Southern Queensland has been hit by high winds, rain and hail.

At least 32,000 houses were left without power in the south-east of the state on Tuesday, after a number of severe thunderstorms passed over Logan, Ipswich, Brisbane's northern suburbs and the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

The ABC reports powerlines were brought down and traffic lights and train services were disrupted.

More than 3500 lightning strikes were recorded across the region - one of which cut services on some of Brisbane's northern rail lines.

Train services affected included the line to Brisbane international airport.

The weather bureau says up to 59mm of rain was recorded across the south-east.

Earlier, the town of St George in the south-west of the state, was without power after winds of up to 130km per hour were recorded in the area.

More than 100mm of rain were recorded in outlying areas.