Australia Weather News

It's been almost a week since ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred lashed the east coast but thousands remain without power.

More than 33,000 properties remain without power across south-east Queensland, with about half of the outages on the Gold Coast.

Crews have already restored power to 400,000 homes and businesses impacted by the cyclone, according to Energex spokesman Danny Donald. 

"Ninety per cent of cyclone affected south-east Queensland homes now have their lights back on," Mr Donald said.

He said the crews were focusing on repairing systems in areas that were severely damaged in the storm. 

"Doing the jobs that require a lot of literal heavy lifting removing massive trees and debris from downed power lines in semi-rural areas," he said.

"Suburban areas with the most serious network damage were also a keen focus of crews."

Warm sunny conditions incoming

Weather conditions are forecast to be dry and mostly sunny across south-east Queensland on Thursday.

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Daniel Hayes said while there could be a few coastal showers, the dry conditions were expected to continue into the weekend.

"It is expected to start warming a little as we head through into the weekend," he said. 

"So getting closer to, or just nudging above, the average as we head through the weekend and into the early part of next week. 

"Overall, relatively quiet after obviously a very busy couple of weeks through the south-east."

A moderate flood warning remains in place for Warrill Creek in the Ipswich area, while a minor flood warning continues for the Logan River, with flooding easing across the catchment.

Gold Coast opens aquatic centres

The Gold Coast City Council has opened eight aquatic centres across the city amid the power outages to help with recovery efforts. 

Mayor Tom Tate said free entry would continue at locations including Southport, Miami and Pimpama until Friday afternoon.

"The centres are a great place to have a hot shower, charge devices, and simply a space for the kids to play and relax," Councillor Tate said. 

"We know that being without power can be difficult, and by offering free admission to our aquatic centres, we aim to relieve some of that stress." 

Meanwhile, all Gold Coast beaches remain closed as the council works to repair erosion.

About 120 loads of sand was moved from the city's sand stockpile at The Spit to Surfers Paradise to help replenish the beach yesterday.