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Woman Struck By Lightning Amid Raging Queensland Storm

The 50-year-old woman was struck while holding a metal pole.
The Brisbane CBD copped a soaking when a storm hit south-east Queensland on Wednesday.
Fairfax/Jorge Branco
The Brisbane CBD copped a soaking when a storm hit south-east Queensland on Wednesday.

A woman has been hospitalised by a lightning strike and more than 11,000 properties have been left without power amid severe storms in Queensland.

The 50-year-old woman, who is understood to be a traffic controller, was struck while holding a metal pole at Helensvale at about 3.30pm on Wednesday, a Queensland Ambulance spokesperson said.

Amended: woman in 50s stable to Gold Coast Uni Hospital after reports a pole she was holding was struck by lightning, #Helensvale at 3.24pm.

— Queensland Ambulance (@QldAmbulance) November 30, 2016

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said on Wednesday severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall in areas including the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Gympie, Ipswich, Boonah, Beenleigh and Caboolture.

BOM

On Wednesday afternoon, Queensland Ambulance services said a teenage boy had been transported to hospital with hip and leg injuries after a tree fell on him.

Male teen being transported stable to Lady Cilento Children's Hospital with hip and leg injuries after a tree fell on him, #ForestLake.

— Queensland Ambulance (@QldAmbulance) November 30, 2016

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:

  • Move your car under cover or away from trees
  • Secure loose outdoor items
  • Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees
  • Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm
  • Beware of fallen trees and powerlines
  • For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500

The storm had been classified as "very dangerous," however it has since been downgraded.

Energy company Energex is reporting more than 11,000 properties have been left without power.

3,201 customers without power in Sunshine Coast, Unknown area. Check website for updates https://t.co/sP1Tgnm7xV

— Energex (@Energex) November 30, 2016

Residents have posted footage of the storms as they move overhead.

Wasn't trying to head home or anything... jk #bnestorm#bne#queenstreetmallpic.twitter.com/JVae9ba6of

— Rebeka Powell (@RebekaPowell) November 30, 2016

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