Over 2,000 residences across the Scenic Rim have been hit by power outages overnight as a result of damage caused by incoming Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
As of 10am Friday 7 March, around 2,066 Energex customers in Beaudesert, Allenview, Tamborine Mountain, Mount Lindesay, Palen Creek, Darlington, Beechmont and Maroon have been affected by unplanned outages.
Damaging winds and debris over powerlines and substations has already seen more than 26,800 customers in South East Queensland without supply, with the worst affected areas being the Gold Coast, Redland City and Scenic Rim.
Energex released a statement earlier this morning regarding outages caused by TC Alfred, urging communities to prepare for outages lasting more than a week.
“For the safety of our crews we will be gradually suspending business as usual restoration work across SEQ as the weather deteriorates and becomes unsafe for our teams to respond,” Energex wrote.
“We have already suspended Gold Coast and Southern Moreton Bay Island responses until after the cyclone passes.
“We continue to urge the community to plan for power outages lasting a week or more.
“While we hope this doesn’t happen, we must be ready for serious damage to the power network and homes.”
With further damage to powerlines and substations possible, residents are encouraged to ensure all battery packs for mobiles, PCs and communication devices are charged in advance. Battery-powered or rechargeable lighting and torches should also have plenty of spare batteries and be fully charged.
Energex also recommends filling any empty soft drink bottles with water, placing them in the freezer and using them for ice in an esky to keep food cool and to drink later.
To see live updates about power outages, go to the Energex Outage Finder site via energex.com.au/outages/outage-finder/outage-finder-map/
