Damaging weather conditions are expected to ease following several days of wild weather, but the risk of major thunderstorms remains.
Queensland’s Wide Bay and surrounding regions have been warned about potential severe storms, including damaging winds and large hail, forecasted for Saturday.
Senior meteorologist Angus Hines from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) confirmed that while the worst-hit areas have seen the storm risk reduce, some parts of eastern and interior Queensland could still experience storm activity.
Though these storms are not expected to be as intense or widespread as those on Friday, residents should remain cautious.
In addition, hazardous surf warnings have been issued for parts of New South Wales, alongside the threat of severe thunderstorms.
Wild weather caused power outages and heavy rain, affecting thousands across several states.Western NSW, central Victoria, and South Australia have been hit hard by damaging winds, heavy rains, and large hailstones, resulting in power outages and a surge of emergency calls.
On Friday evening, severe thunderstorms with damaging winds continued in eastern NSW, prompting warnings for residents to take precautions, including securing loose items and staying away from creeks and storm drains.
The widespread storms also caused over 500,000 lightning strikes, mostly in NSW and Victoria.
In Victoria, areas like Geelong experienced intense rainfall, with 50mm falling in just 45 minutes during a severe thunderstorm.
Significant damage to transmission towers in western NSW also left many without power, with some relying on backup generators.
By Sunday afternoon, meteorologists expect calmer and sunnier weather, providing relief to the regions affected by the severe storms.