Australia's east coast is currently facing the brunt of severe storms, causing widespread damage and power outages just days before Christmas. Kensington, a suburb in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, witnessed vehicles stranded in flash floods as a thunderstorm swept across the city on Sunday. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued warnings that these storms, accompanied by heavy winds, rain, and hail, are expected to continue until Boxing Day, adding a dampener to the holiday season.

Energex, the electricity distribution company, reported that nearly 57,000 homes in Queensland were without power at 3.30 pm, with an additional 151,000 homes affected in the state's southeast within a span of two hours. The rough weather conditions have wreaked havoc across Queensland, with 30mm of rainfall recorded in 30 minutes at Gambubal by 10.30 am. Other locations, such as Sandy Creek Road, reported 35mm of rain in the same period. Additionally, hailstorms with hailstones measuring up to 9cm were recorded at Burpengary and 8cm at Dayboro. The Wivenhoe Dam experienced a staggering 58mm of rainfall within just 30 minutes.

The impact of the storms extended to travel disruptions as well. Sydney Airport witnessed delays in flights as a result of flash flooding caused by 110mm of rain falling within an hour, particularly affecting the domestic terminal's apron area where aircraft are parked. Although flights are now operating as expected, passengers are advised to allow ample time for their journeys to the airport.

The BOM has cautioned that severe thunderstorms, capable of producing damaging winds, large hailstones, and heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding, may continue to affect Sydney, as well as the South and North Coasts of New South Wales on Sunday night. In Queensland, residents of Redland City, Brisbane City, and various areas within Logan, Somerset, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and Ipswich Council Areas are also expected to experience severe thunderstorms.

The Queensland Police have received reports of fallen trees, power lines, and flash flooding across southeast Queensland, including areas such as Holland Park, Tamborine Mountain, Elimbah, Beenleigh, Russell Island, Upper Coomera, Toowong, Scenic Rim, Marsden, Logan, Carina, Greenbank, and the Gold Coast. Emergency crews are working diligently to clear roads and restore power, with a fallen tree on Frederick St in Toowong requiring a crane for removal.

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has emphasized the need for caution, particularly during Christmas travel. With the risk of flash flooding, individuals are urged to make informed decisions and avoid driving through flooded areas. The warning extends to multiple districts, including the Southeast Coast, Central Highlands, Coalfields, Central West, Wide Bay, Burnett, Maranoa, Warrego, and Darling Downs and Granite Belt Forecast Districts.

The severe nature of these storms has also brought about health concerns. Asthma sufferers are advised to keep their medication readily available as storms and high winds can trigger attacks. The intense weather conditions have prompted warnings for residents to stay indoors until the storms subside and to avoid standing near doors and windows during hailstorms.

As the storms continue to affect multiple states, including Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, the BOM foresees their persistence until Boxing Day. Currently, an alert is in place until that time. Forecasters anticipate that the weather system responsible for these storms will gradually move east and off the coast by Tuesday.

In conclusion, the east coast of Australia is grappling with devastating storms and their aftermath, with thousands of homes losing power and widespread damage reported. As the nation endeavors to enjoy the holiday season, it is crucial to remain vigilant and heed the warnings issued by authorities, prioritizing safety in the face of these very dangerous weather conditions.