Facts (source: Bureau of Meteorology)

• Severe thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year. Most strike between September and March when the supply of solar energy is greatest.
• South-east Queensland (and the central NSW coast) experiences the most damaging individual storms anywhere in Australia.
• On average, a severe thunderstorm can produce approximately 6,000 lightning strikes every minute.
• Each year, on average, severe storms are responsible for more damage (as measured by insurance costs) than tropical cyclones, earthquakes, floods or bushfires.
• Most thunderstorms do not reach the level of intensity needed to produce flash floods, cyclones, wind gusts or hail, but they all produce lightning which can cause death, injury and damage.
• Storms do kill people. In Australia, lightning accounts for five to 10 deaths and more than 100 injuries annually. More deaths occur when strong winds cause tree limbs to fall, debris to become projectiles and small boats in open water to capsize.
• Average lightning bolts carry a current of 10,000 to 30,000 amps. An average radiator draws 10 amps.
• Ergon Energy acknowledges the fact that while our overhead network is built to a robust standard, any overhead power system will suffer impacts from severe storm activity.
• Ergon Energy crews are on standby 24/7 to respond to such impact, and our company applauds the efforts crews put into this role in sometimes less than ideal conditions, often away from their own families late at night.
• Ergon Energy response crews' first priority in restoration of power is safety - both their own and that of the public. Our crews' first action is to make scenes or damaged sections of our network safe. They are always mindful of the importance of restoring supply as quickly as possible, but will never compromise their own or the public's safety in this pursuit.