Qld: Storm causes blackouts in Sunshine Coast

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-1999
Qld: Storm causes blackouts in Sunshine Coast

BRISBANE, Dec 12 AAP - Power was restored over the weekend to about 37,000 homes in
the south-east of Queensland following severe thunderstorms, an Energex spokeswoman said
today.

Catherine Hicks said Energex crews worked over the weekend.

"It was the worst situation we've had for some time," Ms Hicks said.

"Most of the power was restored quite soon but there was severe damage to kilometres
of powerlines around Jimboomba which required a lot of work."

She said the damages bill had not yet been calculated.

On Friday afternoon a violent storm dumped hail and cut power to more than 35,000 homes
in Jimboomba, Boonah, Warwick, Beenleigh, Ipswich, Loganholme, Redland Bay and parts of
the Gold Coast.

A mini tornado caused more than $500,000 damage to the Boonah State High School just
hours after its 550 students went home for the day.

Other buildings were damaged and there was widespread havoc on roads

Yesterday, another storm swept through Nambour on the Sunshine Coast causing minor
flooding and backouts to 2,000 homes.

Police reported no storm injuries.

AAP ch/it

KEYWORD: STORMS (CARRIED EARLIER)

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