Woman dies in horror lightning strike as wild storms, hail hits Queensland, NSW
A young woman died after being struck by lightning on the Sunshine Coast; More wild and dangerous weather conditions are expected to devastate millions of people this weekend.
The woman was struck by lightning at a sports complex in Cooroy at around 5.30pm on Thursday.
Paramedics treated the 21-year-old woman at the scene and took her to Nambour Hospital. The woman later died.
Severe weather conditions will continue this weekend; Heavy rains, storms and giant hailstones will hit the east coast.
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Jonathan Howe said intense storms would increase on Friday before peaking at the weekend.
“Brisbane may experience severe thunderstorms (on Friday), likely stronger tomorrow than today, and these may again bring large hail and damaging winds,” he said.
“Saturday looks set to be the peak of stormy days, particularly in South East Queensland.”
Areas affected include the Wide Bay, Gold Coast and Greater Brisbane regions, with the threat extending to Townsville, Mackay, Gladstone and Rockhampton.
While parts of Western Sydney are in the firing line for rain and storms, NSW residents won’t be immune to powerful storms.
According to Weatherzone, the most intense storms on Saturday are expected to form in eastern parts of NSW and Queensland; There is also a risk of a superstorm and possibly an isolated tornado in some areas.
Gloomy conditions are also spreading to the south of the country; Showers are expected to move across South Australia towards Victoria on Friday, bringing a possible storm along the way.
Although conditions will dry out over the weekend, Melbourne residents are preparing to get wet again on Monday and Tuesday.
“Monday looks pretty wet across Melbourne,” Mr Howe said.
“We will probably see showers across the city on (Melbourne) Cup Day, so it could be quite wet for punters in Flemington, but hopefully not too wet.”
Brisbane residents can expect a partly cloudy day, with moderate showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon, with temperatures reaching a high of 28C.
It’s going to be a rainy and wet day in Sydney, with showers expected in the afternoon and temperatures reaching a high of 25C.
Conditions will be similar in Canberra; The sky will be cloudy, there is a high chance of showers and the maximum temperature will be 24C.
Melbourne residents can expect an overcast, cloudy day with showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and a maximum temperature of 22C.
The weather in Hobart is expected to be partly cloudy with moderate showers and the mercury to reach 21C.
Thunderstorms are expected in Adelaide on Friday, followed by showers, with a maximum temperature of 24C.
The weather will be partly cloudy in Perth. There is a high probability of showers in the afternoon and evening hours and the temperature is expected to reach a maximum of 24C.
Darwin residents can expect cloudy skies this evening with a maximum temperature of 34C with moderate showers and thunderstorms.
