Qld: Blackouts, strong winds and rain hit southeast Qld

AAP General News (Australia)
04-02-2009
Qld: Blackouts, strong winds and rain hit southeast Qld

BRISBANE, April 2 AAP - Strong winds have brought down powerlines and cut power to
over 5,000 residents in southeast Queensland.

A strong weather warning has been issued for the state's southeast, with continuous
rain and winds of up to 60km/h predicted for Brisbane throughout Thursday.

Energex spokesman Danny Donald said while power had been restored in most areas, the
worst was still to come.

"It will be a busy day; we expect even more power outages from these high winds," Mr Donald said.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Brett Harrison said there was a strong wind warning
out for coastal areas between Fraser Island's Sandy Cape and Coolangatta.

"We're seeing pretty strong and gusty winds in coastal regions throughout," he said.

"We could see gusts getting up to 50 to 60km/h in the Brisbane region."

The Brisbane and Gold Coast areas have received continuous rain since midnight, with
36mm recorded at Mt Tamborine and up to 20mm recorded throughout the Gold Coast region.

Mr Harrison said the rain was starting to pick up in areas around Brisbane and expected
it to continue until 1pm (AEST) on Thursday.

A State Emergency Service spokesman said its staff was on standby.

AAP djb/sn/mn

KEYWORD: WIND QLD

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