Nick Falconer

STORMS that ripped across south-east Queensland, bringing down power lines, trapping people in floodwaters and killing a man have been described as the most damaging in a quarter of a century.

The storms hit the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Logan, and the Sunshine Coast on Sunday afternoon, bringing very heavy rain, damaging winds, large hailstones and flash flooding.

Brisbane's north-western suburbs bore the brunt with roofs ripped from houses, power lines brought down and a freight train derailed at Caboolture.

More than 230,000 homes and businesses lost power and State Emergency Service volunteers have fielded hundreds of calls for assistance, while firefighters worked to save those trapped in floodwaters.

A 20-year-old was killed when he was swept away by storm water while photographing the storm with a 23-year-old friend at Chermside.

Police said the pair were carried off by the flood as the waters rose suddenly.

"One person was able to hold on to a grate and QFRS (Queensland Fire and Rescue Service) were able to pluck him out, however, they couldn't find the second person," a police spokeswoman said.

The body of the 20-year-old was found a few hours later.

A couple trapped in their vehicle on Chaprowe Road, The Gap, were saved after firefighters discovered live power lines across the vehicle.

And the Keperra Sanctuary Nursing Home was partially evacuated after significant structural damage.

Energex workers were Monday morning still working to restore power to more than 103,000 homes and businesses, but the supply might not be reconnected until the afternoon due to the extent of the damage.

"Sunday's storms were described by seasoned Energex field staff as the most damaging in around a quarter of a century," an Energex spokesman said.

"More than 650 power lines equivalent to 33km of wire were ripped from poles by trees and tree branches being carried by high winds.

"Areas in Brisbane's northern suburbs saw roofing iron torn from homes and thrown into the 33,000-volt network."

Peak-hour traffic on Monday morning is expected to be impacted with traffic lights out across the city and train services between Caboolture and Elimbah stations replaced by buses due to the derailment.

Morayfield State High School will remain closed on Monday due to fallen powerlines and flooding while Burpengary State School will be open for emergency supervision only.

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