The place that I grew up (The Gap, in Brisbane) has been devastated by a terrifying 5 hour storm. My brother is currently without power, but has a gas stove so they can boil water, although apparently the roof of the water reservoir has collapsed in on the water so it may not be safe to drink. He should be okay in his imitation Tuscany house though, despite the carpets being soaked. Others were not so lucky with roofs being ripped off or being smashed by fallen gum trees.
Brisbane declared natural disaster zone in storm's wake