The Test match between Australian and Pakistan halted as wild storm blows into Ipswich and then Brisbane, bringing hail and flash flooding

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Trees and power lines have been knocked down and thousands of homes left without power as a wild storm swept across Brisbane and neighbouring Ipswich.

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The storm, described by authorities as very dangerous, forced play in the first Test between Australia and Pakistan at the Gabba to be stopped.

Ipswich mayor Paul Pisasale said the State Emergency Service had already received 30 calls for help on Sunday afternoon, with reported damage in several suburbs.

The weather bureau said 55mm of rain fell in Ipswich within half an hour.

Authorities warned people to stay inside and beware of fallen trees and power lines.



Brisbane airport advised passengers to check flight details as there were likely to be delays.

The weather bureau warned of destructive winds, large hailstones and heavy rains.

Water was pouring into a supermarket in the western Brisbane suburb of Bellbowrie, after the roof was badly damaged.



Police said there had been no injuries in that incident, but the Moggil Road shopping centre had been evacuated as a precaution.

On the other side of town, Wynnum Esplanade closed after a damaged shop front fell onto an unoccupied car.

Trees were also being reported on many roads, including Gympie Rd at Chermside, while power lines were also down in Bardon.

The Darling Downs, Wide Bay and Burnett, and Granite Belt regions could also be hit with severe storms.