Severe Thunderstorms Devastate Southeast Queensland

On November 24, 2025, severe thunderstorms struck southeast Queensland, unleashing destructive winds, giant hail, and intense lightning, leading to widespread damage and power outages. The storms affected areas from the New South Wales border to the Sunshine Coast, with hailstones reported as large as 14 centimeters in diameter. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) recorded wind gusts up to 120 kilometers per hour and over 880,000 lightning strikes during the event.

Major cleanup across SEQ with more wild storms on the way

The storms resulted in significant disruptions, leaving approximately 162,000 properties without power at their peak. Areas such as Moreton Bay, Bribie Island, and the Sunshine Coast were particularly hard-hit, with reports of roofs being torn off homes and vehicles flipped by the winds. The Insurance Council of Australia declared the event an insurance catastrophe, with over 16,000 claims lodged across 140 postcodes. The State Emergency Service (SES) received more than 2,200 calls for assistance, primarily from Brisbane, Redlands, and Logan.

9 News (Australia)

Energy Queensland reported that restoration efforts were underway, with over 300 crews working to repair downed power lines and restore electricity. However, officials warned that some areas might remain without power for several days due to the extensive damage. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek announced the closure of 12 state schools due to storm damage, while others faced significant IT issues but remained operational.

The Guardian

Residents expressed frustration over the storm's impact, with many describing the conditions as "cyclonic." Local authorities urged caution during cleanup efforts, highlighting the dangers posed by downed power lines and debris. Some residents reported never having experienced such severe weather in their lifetimes, raising concerns about the increasing frequency and intensity of storms in the region.

Residents brace for another round of superstorms as giant hail, cyclonic winds hammer east coast

Meteorologists predict that further severe thunderstorms are likely to develop in the coming days, with warnings issued for both southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales. The BoM has advised residents to prepare for additional storms, which may bring large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall, potentially leading to flash flooding.

The New Daily

• “We are expecting thunderstorms across large parts of eastern Australia today.” — Jonathan How, Bureau of Meteorology

The Guardian

• “It was another very active thunderstorm day across Queensland, and severe thunderstorms did cause quite a bit of damage to trees and properties,” — Jonathan How, Bureau of Meteorology

Residents brace for another round of superstorms as giant hail, cyclonic winds hammer east coast

• “This damage is similar to the types of things that we know happens in these storm events, just as we had with ex-tropical cyclone Alfred,” — John-Paul Langbroek, Education Minister

ABC News Australia

• “I’ve never seen such large hailstone here before,” — Local Resident, Queensland

The Straits Times

While reports of hail sizes vary, some sources indicate hailstones reached up to 14 centimeters, while others mention sizes between 6 to 12 centimeters. Additionally, the number of power outages reported ranges from 95,000 to 162,000, reflecting discrepancies in data collection and reporting.

The Straits Times

The severe weather event has highlighted the vulnerability of southeast Queensland to intense storms, prompting discussions about preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the face of climate change.

Otago Daily Times