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 30,000 properties remain without power across south-east Queensland, with about half of the outages on the Gold Coast.

Crews have already restored power to more than 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 beginning to focus on challenging hinterland areas as power returned to suburban areas. 

"We had cranes lifting trees off power lines and we also had literally crews with machetes getting through some of the thick jungle," Mr Donald said. 

"We're now getting into the areas where it's a lot of heavy lifting — quite literally and figuratively — and it's just going to be a big weekend for all the crews who are now funnelling from the rest of south-east Queensland."

He said appreciative residents had brought workers food, freshly baked goods and soft drinks to support efforts. 

"Our crews have been saying, when they do flick the [power] switch on an area, it's like State of Origin night when Queensland scores, you can just hear roar and cheer throughout the neighbourhood."

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.