Mass power outages after giant hail and destructive winds hit south-east Queensland, Australia
A powerful thunderstorm struck south-east Queensland on Monday, November 24, 2025, generating giant hailstones, destructive winds and extensive power outages affecting over 150 000 homes.
Giant hail in Queensland on November 24, 2025. Credit: neutralee2020
A line of severe thunderstorms swept through south-east Queensland on Monday afternoon, dropping giant hail, damaging winds and heavy rainfall that left more than 150 000 properties without power
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued multiple severe thunderstorm warnings as the system tracked eastward from the Darling Downs toward the coast, intensifying over the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane metropolitan area.
Hailstones with diameters of up to 11 cm (4.3 inches) were reported in parts of the Moreton Bay region, while golf-ball-sized hail covered suburbs of the Sunshine Coast.
Wind gusts of over 100 km/h (62 mph) were recorded at Brisbane Airport. The strong winds ripped through roofs, trees, and overturned multiple vehicles. The State Emergency Service (SES) responded to hundreds of calls for assistance across the region, primarily for roof damage, fallen trees, and flooding in low-lying areas.
Power utility Energex reported that more than 150 000 customers lost supply across the south-east during the height of the storm. Restoration efforts were continuing late Monday evening, complicated by downed power lines and continuing hazardous conditions.
Localized flash flooding occurred in several coastal catchments as rainfall totals of over 60 mm (2.3 inches) in under an hour in some areas. Emergency services warned residents to stay clear of floodwaters and avoid fallen power infrastructure.
The storms also affected transportation, with temporary road closures due to debris and flash flooding. Brisbane Airport experienced short delays as lightning activity forced ground staff indoors.
The craziest hail storm just came through….absolutely nuts.
— loquaciouslee (@neutralee2020) November 23, 2025
( after posting the storm photos – see previous tweet )
Hit in the head with golf ball sized hail trying to put a packing blanket on my boys roof to try to limit the damage. pic.twitter.com/FxQpDgmPCI
References:
1 South-east Queensland storms rip off roofs, dump monster hail and leave 140,000 without power – 9 news – November 24, 2025
2 Brisbane battered by ‘giant hail’ as severe storms leave thousands in Queensland with power outages – The Guardian – November 24, 2025
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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