Insurers are rallying resources after wind speeds equivalent to a category 1 cyclone struck Queensland’s Logan area, and with more destructive weather forecast later today.

Severe thunderstorm warnings are in place – flagging damaging wind, large hailstones and heavy rain – for NSW’s Northern Rivers and Tablelands and the Mid North Coast, plus Queensland’s Wide Bay-Burnett, Darling Downs, Granite Belt and southeast coast.

Destructive “supercell” storms smashed southeast Queensland late yesterday, bringing gusts of up to 125km/h that felled trees and power lines and led to flights being diverted. Logan City Council says at least 14 homes were left uninhabitable.

Insurer IAG says builders are conducting emergency make-safe repairs for its worst-affected policyholders, and its response vehicles are heading to Logan.

“We’re on the ground supporting customers impacted by the supercell storms that brought heavy rain, large hail and destructive winds,” EGM for claims Luke Gallagher said today.

“Our 24/7 major event command centre is co-ordinating our response for customers, and we’ve mobilised our teams of claims consultants, assessors, and partner builders and repairers."

IAG meteorologist Kathryn Turner says further wild weather is expected and communities should stay alert.
 
"Severe thunderstorms are forecast to impact parts of Queensland and NSW over the coming days, bringing the risk of damaging winds, heavy rainfall and potentially large hail," she said.

"The storm focus is expected to shift across different regions over the weekend, with further severe thunderstorm activity to redevelop early next week."

Suncorp has urged residents to prepare for another round of destructive weather. The insurer recommends parking undercover, securing loose outdoor items and charging phones.

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The greatest concern is for inland areas from Maryborough to north of Grafton, including around Ipswich and Toowoomba, where “one or two supercells could produce giant hailstones and destructive winds”, Suncorp meteorologist Andrew Bufalino says.

“There is the potential for some of those storms to become particularly dangerous,” he said, adding Brisbane may today experience 90km/h wind, large hail and heavy rain.

Electricity company Energex said this afternoon that power had been restored to 41,500 Queensland homes and businesses, but more than 40,000 were unconnected and severe damage to parts of its network meant crews had to “essentially rebuild some sections”.

“Be prepared for the possibility of more storms and power impacts,” it said. “If you can, secure loose items around the yard – even a little camp chair can be lethal at 100km/h into powerlines.”

IAG also warned residents to look out for so-called disaster chasers.

"Disaster chasers often door-knock homes after severe weather, offering quick repairs or falsely claiming to represent insurers," executive manager property claims Scott Lindsay said.

"These operators can leave customers facing inflated costs, delays and poor-quality repairs. If you're approached by someone offering unsolicited repair work, contact your insurer first before agreeing to any work."