21,000 homes lose power in southeast Qld

SYDNEY (AAP) - Electricity crews have worked to restore power to more than 21,000 homes and businesses affected by widespread storms that swept through southeast Queensland on Tuesday afternoon.
Energex reported that damage to the power network was widespread, spanning from the Sunshine Coast through Brisbane to the Gold Coast and hinterland.
The storms brought hail and more than 12,500 lightning strikes, bringing down numerous powerlines throughout the region.
At 7pm (AEST) power had been restored to almost 16,000 homes and businesses.
"It is expected that crews will be working long into the night to reconnect power supplies to the remaining 5,000 customers still without power," a statement said.